Exit the Fire as Pure Gold!

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Romans 5:3-4

One thing is certain: at least once in our lives, we will experience hardship. Even Jesus confirms that our lives on earth won’t be free of heartache and pain.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

At one time or another, we’ve all doubted that God was really with us. It’s easy to trust and believe in Him when thing are going great – all is well on the job, you’ve got money in the bank, your marriage or relationship is thriving, your children are doing well in school, and you’re healthy and growing spiritually. But what happens when you get upsetting news from the doctor? Or your teenage daughter tells you she’s pregnant? Or your spouse leaves you for another woman? When your heart is broken, when you’ve been let down by a family member or friend, when you’ve experienced loss, it’s harder to trust in the Lord.

In Mark 9, when Jesus came upon a demon-possessed boy and his father, He told the man that anything is possible to him who believes (v.23). The father said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”(v. 24). I’m sure there’s been a similar time in your job when you doubted God was anywhere in sight. The new boss is on your case every minute for no reason at all. Your co-worker, once considered a friend, betrays your trust. You’re in the midst of a mess, and you wonder, Lord, are you there? The heart believes, but the flesh, which is weak, doubts.

The Word tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not place any strength in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Trials and hardships are the times when we need God the most and must trust Him every step of the way. I can testify that we will be stronger, smarter, tougher, and more lovable at the end. And our fiery experiences will always bless us in some way – to build our faith, our character, our self-esteem, and our anointing.

The funny thing is, God knows the outcome of a situation before it even arises. But He wants us to see His power and deliverance in action. He knows what He can do; He wants us to know it also.

POWER MOVE

No matter how tough the trial, you can come out of the fire as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did (Daniel 3:26). Nebuchadnezzar saw “four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!” (v.25 NET). Jesus was that fourth Man! Remember to call on Him, especially during tough times. Sister, your suffering is but for a season. Look to your future and spend your time planning for it.

MY CONFESSION
“As I walk through the firestorms of life with the Lord at my side, the flames of doubt and fear will not touch me. I will emerge as pure gold!”

~ Carol Mackey is the author of Sistagirl Devotions which is a GREAT book for Winning Women. For More Information about Carol visit www.CarolMackeyOnline.com.