TESTS IMPROVE US
- Key Verse
- "But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
There is divine purpose in all the trials we face.
Reflections
There are times in my life when I feel like Job. Events have happened that have brought forth feelings of great sadness, fear, heartache, and anger. I remember when my Mom passed away from cancer when I was 12 years old. I was very fearful of what would happen to my Dad and myself and also angry that God let this happen. I could not see that we did anything wrong to deserve the loss of someone so precious to us. Since then many other unpleasant life events have occurred and are still occurring.Job states early in the chapter that he knows if he could present his case before God, he would be delivered. He looks for God in all directions and does not find Him. Haven't we all felt that way when we face major issues that are not being resolved quickly or to our personal satisfaction? I know I pray and ask for deliverance from the burden but the answers are not always evident at the time.
What I have learned through all of the unpleasant parts of my life is that God IS working all of the time. He is with me and is testing me in ways that force me to depend solely on Him. He knows exactly what I need to be drawn closer to Him. Job states in verse 10 that when he has been tested, he will come forth as gold. God is refining me and He will complete the process to make me pure in His eyes. It is only through fire that pure gold comes forth.
I want to shine like gold in God's eyes. He has blessed me with His Word that I can turn to in times of need. They are words that reassure me, help me to move on from my feelings, and enable me to use the lessons of hard times to help others. He has provided me with friends and a spouse who give me Godly advice, and He is always ready to listen to me. He gave me Jesus Christ, who died that I might live.
Discussion Questions
1. Look back on your life and identify some of your past tests. How has God changed you for the better through these events? Write these down.2. How can you use what God has taught you to build into the lives of people around you?
3. What is your current test and how are you dealing with it?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Chip Smith
March 31, 2010 07:02 AM
Good morning Joanne. Excellent log this morning. I need to remember your words that it is only through fire that pure gold comes forth. That God refines my character through the fiery trials of life. I know that I am not like Job in verses 10 - 12. However, I do know God's address and how to get there (John 14:6). I can go before him not on my merits, but because I have been made righteous through Christ Jesus. I can seek to understand His ways in my life through a direct relationship with Him and like you so aptly said, "God IS working all the time (in my life)." I can trust that truth even when I don't always sense his presence or understand his purposes in the midst of my trials. Thanks for a great log this morning.
Cindy S. Brown
March 31, 2010 07:33 AM
Joanne - God used you and your devotional to create an "aha" moment for me today. When I got to the first question, I quickly thought of things in my past that were definitely trials, but they are situations where I still don't see God's "purpose" in them. (For example, what "higher purpose" comes out of taking a child's parent away from them at a tender age?) Then I recognized that God's purpose and ways will never be fully understood this side of heaven (if ever...who can understand the mind of God?) Part of God's purpose for me in those trials of the past is for me to still live in His strength and power and victory today, DESPITE those things. I can do this because I have faith and confidence in my awesome, powerful magnificent God. There isn't a "single answer" for why a loved one dies. (God needed another angel in heaven or God knew that you'd only develop certain compassion or strength by going through that trial.) It may be some of those or it may be none of them. It may be that he simply wants us to say, "I'm at peace with the past, because I trust that it is part of God's refining process and I can trust Him." I've spent a lot of unnecessary time trying to "see God's purpose in this." God used you today to remind me that I don't need to know His purpose - I just need to know HIM. Thank you!
Bob A. King
March 31, 2010 07:49 AM
Thanks, Joanne, for an insightful look into the Word and a profoundly perfect application to daily life. You reminded me to see trials as instruments from God to refine me to become more like Christ. This is exactly what we are studying in TouchPoint: "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People!" God used you today!!
Charlie Haas
March 31, 2010 08:34 AM
Joan this devotion and your questions hit the spot for me today. You are truly a blessing. Thanks!!
Cheryl
March 31, 2010 09:04 AM
Thank you, Joanne! Your sharing has encouraged me this day. I so appreciate "The Journey" and how it meets me where I am at!
Tim Hawks
March 31, 2010 10:09 AM
Thanks, Joanne. Your testimony is a great encouragement to me.
Mark Sutton
March 31, 2010 11:20 AM
Joanne, Your questions help me see the longer view of the trials I am experiencing now. God does indeed care for me even while I can't see it right now. Thanks, Mark
Kapryce Doherty
March 31, 2010 01:04 PM
Loved the devotional today Joanne! His ways ARE perfect and it's always a blessing to be reminded of that whether it's during a time of trial.....or just everyday life and the ups and downs it brings! Thanks so much, Kapryce
Beckye Estill
March 31, 2010 06:53 PM
Joanne, your faithful example and your wisdom and eternal perspective are such an encouragement. Amen, He is working and with us and using our trials for His glory and our good. You certainly shine with His glory, friend!
Judy Miller
March 31, 2010 07:03 PM
Thanks, for such an insightful and timely devotional. That is what I believe, but need to remember that God is at work in the midst of trials. The process of going through them depends on how I respond,and the outcome is God's divine wisdom and plan.