Wednesday, December 31, 2008

From the Archives: Life's Circumstances-Part of The Remolding Process


God uses everything that happens in our life as part of the remolding process that we as Christians must go through. Like a man molds a lump of clay into a beautiful vase to be used for holding beautiful flowers; our Heavenly Father wants to remold us and pour the riches of His glory into us so that everyone can see how very great His glory is. (Romans 9:23-24) As the clay is in the potter’s hand so we are in God’s hand. Will you allow our Heavenly Father to use your life’s circumstances to mold and refine you?

He can use the financial struggles, the difficult people, incarceration, and even sickness and death to develop our character and to make us stronger, full of patience ready for anything. These situations don’t have to destroy us then can be turned for our good and for His glory if we will only trust God. See how our Lord helped each of these believers through these same struggles.

 Financial Struggles -There was a widow women alone with her son during a famine with no money and just enough food for one last meal. The Lord sends Elijah to her and provides food for all of them. Later when her son becomes sick and dies the Lord uses Elijah to heal her son. (1 King 17)
 Difficult people - Jacob had to work for his lying and cheating father in law, Laban, for fourteen years. Laban was unscrupulous and manipulative. But the Lord saw all that he had done to Jacob and made him wealthy at Laban’s expense. (Genesis 29-31)
 Incarceration – Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into jail for preaching the gospel. While shackled in prison they praised God. All of a sudden there was an earthquake which shook the prison to its foundation. The guard watching over them believed on the Lord Jesus. Then he and his whole family were saved. (Acts 16:16-40)
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Later he was sentenced to prison for a crime he did not commit. One day he is brought before the Pharaoh to interpret a dream. He not only interpreted the dream but he also gave Pharaoh wise counsel on how to prepare for the predicted famine. So Pharaoh promoted Joseph from inmate to second in command. Joseph helped rule Egypt. God later used Joseph to save his own family, God’s chosen people, from the famine.(Genesis 37-47)
 Sickness and Death – Jesus’ friend Lazarus becomes sick and dies, but it was just another opportunity for the disciples and the others to believe in Jesus. The purpose of the illness was not death but for the glory of God. (John 11)

As you can see our Lord makes all things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Life’s circumstances are just part of the remolding process. We are being prepared daily for the calling that He has on our lives to serve Him and others that need Him. When others see what Jesus has done for us they will give glory to God and believe in the name of Jesus! Praise God!

2 comments:

Robin said...

Good reminders for the New Year. I need to always remember that my trials and problems are Him molding me into His likeness. God Bless

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

Amen to that! Troubles and trials don't feel good but I thank God that we can learn from them and use them to become stronger and wiser. Plus it increases our faith when we can look back at our hard times and see our Lord's deliverance, provision, and comfort through it all. We can look back and say "My Lord has never left me or forsaken me."

Have a safe evening..God bless you!

My God is Faithful!

My God is Faithful!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.