Scripture Text: "And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness." - Malachi 3:3 (KJV)
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We pray that you will be blessed immensely via the message of God's word, as we look into the topic; SUFFERING:THE REFINER'S FIRE.
Truly, suffering can be a mysterious and challenging aspect of the Christian life.
As believers we may wonder why God (The Father) allows his children to go through trials and tribulations, especially when we've done nothing to deserve them.
The scripture text (Malachi 3:3) reminds us that God will not only sit to Refine, but will also purify his sons as silver and gold, to purge them unto worthy and glorious vessels .
The Bible is replete with accounts of faithful believers who endured immense suffering, not because of their wrongdoing, but because of their devotion to God. The examples of Joseph, David, Job, Paul, Daniel etc
Why God Refines His Children Through Suffering
Here are God's purpose for allowing Suffering:
1. To Manifest Christ's Character
Suffering provides an opportunity for us to develop and manifest the character of Christ in our lives.
Usually as we endure hardships, we can develop qualities like patience, perseverance, and empathy, which are essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
The words of Apostle Paul, "Not only that, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
2. To Refine and Purify Their Faith
When God allows us to experience or go through suffering, it is to refine and purify our faith, by testing our trust in his goodness, mercy and grace for our lives.
Therefore, through trials, we learn to rely on God's strength and provision, rather than our own abilities.
These trials will prove that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — Even though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (see 1 Peter 1:7).
Related Post: Living A Meaningful Life!
3. Suffering Develops Sympathy and Compassion
God is a not our Father, he teaches and guides us in the way we should go by training us to develop sympathy and compassion for others who are going through similar experiences.
As we receive comfort and support from God, the believer can extend that same comfort to others.
The Bible says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
So, as believers understanding the purpose of suffering, we can go through trials with faith and hope, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
How To Go Through Suffering In Faith
1. Trust in God's sovereignty
Like Joseph, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good, even when we don't understand the circumstances.
The Bible reminds us , "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalms 23:4 (KJV)
2. Hold On To Hope
Job's story reminds us that our hope is not in the absence of suffering, but in the presence of God in the midst of it.
Job 14:14 says, "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."
3. Find Purpose In Suffering
Paul's writings encourage us to see that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope.
Always remember these words of Apostle Paul in your trying times, "Not only that, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
In conclusion, I believe you have learned today that suffering isn't a curse from your lineage, the manipulation of enemies or the works of divination.
Instead, suffering is like the refiners fire which God uses to purify his children to make them vessels unto his glory.
God purges and chastens those he loves in other to conform them to the image of his dear son - Jesus Christ.
It was Saint Maximilian Kolbe who said,
If you really want to love Jesus, first learn to suffer, because suffering teaches you to love.
POINTS OF REFLECTION
1. How are you responding to suffering or trials in your life?
2. Are you trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when you don't understand the circumstances?
3. How can you find purpose and hope in the midst of your suffering?
PRAYER KEY POINTS
Father, IJN: Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and goodness, even when I don't understand the circumstances.
Father, IJN: Give me the strength to persevere and find purpose in the midst of suffering.
Father, IJN: May I emerge from these trials with greater character and hope, reflecting the glory of Christ.
COMMIT TO MEMORY
"Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV)
FURTHER READING
1 Peter 3:14, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, James 1:2-4,
ASSIGNMENT
Take time to reflect on the stories of faithful believers who suffered in the Bible.
Ask God to give you insight into how you can apply their examples to your own life. Seek to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with uncertainty or pain.
Look for ways to find purpose and hope in the midst of your suffering, knowing that God is refining you like gold in the fire.
Also Read: God Is Never Late!
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