FIRE - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (Pur) Part 2

FIRE - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (Pur) Part 2

The book of James says that God "refines" us through the fiery trials in our lives.

James 1:2-4

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

All of the events in your life - good and bad - come together to shape you into a finished product. The “fires” that we experience are used by God. When we face troubles we turn to Him for help and comfort and He strengthens us and encourages us. It is through this process that our trials grow us into what God wants us to be. When God’s image is a visible part of us, we are a finished product!

Don’t let yourself become weary of those trials. They are difficult to endure for a reason. God is shaping you into something that pleases Him.

I used to know a pastor whose church was in an iron curtain country during the Cold War. The police would follow his church members and if they were caught with a Bible or if they were suspected of gathering for worship, they were arrested and imprisoned.

My friend came to love the “fiery ordeals” brought upon them by those police. His church called them their “stone-cutters.” He was referring to this passage:

1 Peter 2:4-5

“…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood.”

We are stones, with our rough edges and imperfections being chiseled smooth until we are the shape that God requires for us to fit into that building.

Our trials are not intended to tear us down. They are meant to build us up. Take courage in that.