When The Heat Is On

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.” – Proverbs 17:3

If there are any impurities in a metal they will rise to the top when heat is applied. The Lord does the same with hearts. I’ve heard it said what’s in you comes out when you’re stressed. Character isn’t formed in times of trial, it is REVEALED. The heat of God-ordained trials bring to the surface what is hidden in our hearts.

Have you ever been surprised by what has “floated to the top” when you’ve had some heat applied to your life? I have. Sometimes it has been a pleasant surprise, and sometimes it wasn’t pretty. Though trials aren’t pleasant, God is working a perfect and marvelous work in you and I for His Purpose, and for His glory! James says it like this…

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4

Brothers and sisters, don’t jump out of the fire! The Lord is after something, He is forming the character of Jesus in you. Don’t wait till the heat is on to press in to Jesus, but when life is hot and heavy let that drive us all the more fervently to the Lord’s feet!

Let’s pray…

Holy Father, thank You for the perfect work You are doing in me! I take my eyes off of the trial, and look forward with joy to the end result: being complete lacking nothing, and You getting all the glory! In Jesus name, amen.