Morning

October 17

Psalms 66:10-12 ¹⁰For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. ¹¹You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. ¹²You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Becoming a Christian does not mean that all trials will cease and life suddenly become as smooth as it can be. On the contrary throughout Scripture we see God's people enduring trials that nearly crush them. Paul the Apostle promised that if we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).

What is this difficult life we are called to all about? God is refining us. In the Father's eyes the work is done, but here on earth as we live out our day to day life, we find the old person we once were is trying to reestablish his ways in us. It was our familiar pattern, and one we would easily slip back into. Through the difficult situations we face, God shows us the old ways that we are tempted to cling to. If we try them again, we find they are contrary to our new life. It is like the refining of a metal. The heat brings up the lighter contaminants so that they can be removed. One old silversmith said that he knew when the silver refining process was finished when he could see his reflection in the silver. God is looking for His reflection in you.

In the end God brings us out into a place of abundance. For many, that will not be in this life. You may have to wait for heaven. Oh, but what a place of abundance! Those who died in faith, and did not receive the promises in this life, go to a better reward (Hebrews 11:39-40). You are not alone in your suffering. Let the Comforter comfort you.

Consider the eternal great reward and endure by the grace of God. He will bring you out into a place of abundance!