continuation of #mystory, “How to Survive Difficult Circumstances”

Complicated. Why does life have to be so complicated?

It’s an age-old question, really. One that generations will ask time and time again. In Avril Lavigne‘s song tilted, “Complicated” she pretty much sums it up this way, “Uh huh, uh huh, that’s the way it is
‘Cause life’s like this.”

Yep…cause life is like this. But did you know God tells us the reason why?

One reason we encounter pain and suffering is because God is a refining fire, a fire that has purpose and an end goal. A refiner’s fire melts down a bar of silver or gold to remove the impurities and imperfections. All the while, leaving the silver and gold completely intact.

Unlike a forest fire which burns everything in its path of destruction, a refiner’s fire is intentional, knowing the end result will be worth all the pain. See here in Malachi 3, God foretells of our upcoming judgement…

"He’ll be like white-hot fire from the smelter’s furnace. He’ll be like the strongest lye soap at the laundry. He’ll take his place as a refiner of silver, as a cleanser of dirty clothes. He’ll scrub the Levite priests clean, refine them like gold and silver, until they’re fit for God, fit to present offerings of righteousness. Then, and only then, will Judah and Jerusalem be fit and pleasing to God, as they used to be in the years long ago." Malachi 3:2-4 MSG

Why is judgement necessary?

We serve a holy God. A God who cannot stand the presence or sight of sin. However, we all are sinners (Rom 3:23), born into an imperfect world. Although we were created in the image of God with great potential, humankind betrayed God from the very beginning. Let’s face it: we need a Savior. We need redemption. We need to be refined.

There is hope

We can rest-assured heaven will not be empty. We can trust that God will follow through on His promises. He is faithful. He will not desert or abandon us. God made an everlasting covenant…He will come through.

Malachi 1:2, “God said, “I love you.”

Malachi 3:6-7, “I am God—yes, I Am. I haven’t changed. And because I haven’t changed, you, the descendants of Jacob, haven’t been destroyed.”

We will not be destroyed

The anesthesiologist came rushing in. Indeed, it was true. My two front teeth had been knocked out during surgery. Most likely when my breathing tube was removed. The hospital said they would pay for all expenses. Regardless, I looked like a fool.

Let me finish by saying this…for any of you who are being swept under the wave of troubles and tribulations….

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10 ESV

You will be restored

Your will be confirmed

You will be strengthened

God Himself will establish you

HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?