Tag: #fierytrials

SUBMISSIVE CLAY

Jer 18:5  Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,   Jer 18:6  O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As long as we are submissive clay in the potter’s hand, he will form and shape us into a vessel of use.  Sometimes, we feel like we are being put through a long, painful process of changing into what God wants us to become. Have you ever watched a potter work the clay? First, he has to beat out all the air bubbles, not because he loves to pound on the clay.  If he doesn’t, it will explode in the fire.

There is much to be learned about our relationship with God by studying the process of pottery making. The thing that sticks with me most is a fine porcelain cup is fired hotter than an earthenware mug. God wants to use us to be examples to others. But sometimes, he also puts us on a shelf, so to speak. Earthenware mugs are used every day, but often, fine porcelain cups are kept for special occasions. Maybe during the waiting process, God is saving us for a special assignment. One that he has created us specifically to carry out.

We are not to waste the time that we are on the shelf…waiting. No one wants to be in a holding pattern. One of the worst things we can hear from God is wait. But there are things to be learned in the waiting. Sometimes, He is just wanting us to sit quietly with him and get to know Him. Don’t ever waste the quiet time of waiting.

I Peter 4:12-13 (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

This process is a long one, to take clay from the ground and form it into a vessel of use.  Being submissive clay will allow God to form and shape us.  We will become a beautiful (vessel) pitcher that can pour out water on a dry and weary soul. The life of a Christian who is sold out to God will have fiery trials. We need to remember that the things we endure are not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

Once we have been through a trial, we have power over it. That puts us in a place in which we can help others overcome that trial when they are faced with it. We will not overcome unless we are pliable clay in the hand of the master potter. Ask HIM to help you to be submissive clay in his hands.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

THE LESSON(S) OF ALONE

JOB 23:8-10  Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: (9) On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:  (10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Lately, I have had several friends comment that they feel like God is not near to them.  They say they cannot feel his presence.  I have been there at times in my spiritual walk with God. I understand how it can feel like you are alone. Job probably felt this more strongly than any of us. 

God allowed him to be tested by the enemy.  In that test, he proved to be true and faithful.  As gold tried in the fire. When gold ore is mined out of the ground, it has a lot of minerals, dirt and impurities.  The ore has to be put into an extremely hot fire and melted. During the melting process, dirt and other impurities cannot withstand the fire. They burn up.

The story of the three Hebrew men who were put into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. This is a literal example of how we are often tested.  But they did not fear the fire. They knew their God would deliver them.  We must know that “OUR GOD” will deliver us out of the fire.

Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

Do not allow the trials of life or the feeling that you are all alone to cause you to fear or worry.  God is right there with you.  He was with the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace; he was with Job when he felt alone; he will be with you, too.

Sometimes, like Job, we have miserable comfort. People mean well but do not have the right perspective and their advice is not always sound. We must always filter other’s advice with a bible filter.  In other words, does their advice line up with God’s word? Is it sound according to what I believe God is telling me or has told me in the past.

Other times, God will isolate us from people too.  This could be because of a season of transition for us. He is preparing us for the next level in him. The distraction of people will often taint this process, so God isolates us from the influence.

I Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

There are many in-depth studies out there about gold and the way it is processed.  The process is compared to our walk with God. I will not take the time to go into great detail here. However, it is something interesting to dig deeper into if you have time. I hope I have said enough about the process to encourage you that if you faint not, you will reap in faith and blessings.

Look at the story of Job; when he was done with the process, God abundantly blessed him. I think that many times, the trial is taking out something within us that will hinder our next level of God’s presence and blessing.  Until it is gone, whatever it may be, we cannot level up. Embrace the times of isolation. He is there even when you don’t feel His presence or see His hand moving.

Keep on being faithful to what God has given you to do, even in times of isolation.

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS