Pain That Perfects

4/17/2017

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man protected without adversity!

23 Then Job replied:
2 “Even today my complaint is bitter;
    his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
3 If only I knew where to find him;
    if only I could go to his dwelling!
4 I would state my case before him
    and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would find out what he would answer me,
    and consider what he would say to me.
6 Would he vigorously oppose me?
    No, he would not press charges against me.
7 There the upright can establish their innocence before him,
    and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.
8 “But if I go to the east, he is not there;
    if I go to the west, I do not find him.
9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
    when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
10 But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

(Job 23:1-10)

Although the punishment we received from our parents when we were children was painful, we can be thankful that it was wisely and lovingly given. We recognize its lasting value, and we know that the momentary hurt has resulted in lifelong benefits. Likewise, as children of the Heavenly Father, we should be grateful that He loves us enough to discipline us. You see, whatever God sends our way or permits into our live is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10)

In the book Flashes of Truth, James Duff writes, "The colors that are painted on china are burned into the clay. Otherwise they would easily rub off. It is said that what is to become a golden color on the finished article is a dark liquid before the fire is applied. And the first two or three applications of heat obliterate all trace of color, which has to be again and again renewed. So it is with God's dealings with us. No sooner has God finished a work with us than He plunges us into the fiery furnace of pain or sorrow or persecution or temptation. What for? That through the fire, beauty of character—the Heavenly Potter's work—might be rendered permanent in us."

Child of God, do you feel as if you are in the furnace of affliction? Remember, the Heavenly Father loves you. If He didn't, He would be ignoring you. But He is working in your life to "establish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Peter 5:10). So don't resist Him. Instead, be grateful that He allows the pain that perfects!