Storms That Strengthen

“You have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
–1 Peter 1:6-7

In biblical times, whenever a craftsman wanted to form a piece of gold jewelry, he would take a chunk of gold and melt it down to burn away the impurities. How would he know when the gold was pure and ready to be formed into a beautiful piece of jewelry? Only when he could look into that liquid gold and see the reflection of his own face would he know that the gold was pure.

In the same way, many times God allows trials in our lives to remove all the impurities so that He can see His image perfectly reflected in us. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, the apostle wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Abraham was God’s instrument that He wanted to use in a powerful way. But before God could do that, His friend Abraham had to go through many, many tests.

What about you? Do you desire to be used by God in a supernatural way? Is your one desire in life to have God’s stamp of approval on your life? Before you answer that question too quickly, remember what that cost Abraham–it meant surrendering that which was most important to him. For you to be used by God, to have God’s approval in your life, may mean letting go of that possession, that person, that dream you have for the future. God’s tests are never easy, but they are absolutely necessary if we are going to be used by Him.

Did you know that storms–not just rain, but thunderstorms–are especially good for plants? The reason is that the combination of lightning and rain adds nitrogen to the soil, and nitrogen is essential for plants to grow healthy. When plants weather a storm, they grow stronger for it.

Perhaps you are going through a storm of God’s testing in your life. Remember, it is through times just like this that your spiritual roots grow deeper and deeper and will produce a spiritual fruit in your life that will last long after the storm has subsided. God’s tests are never easy, but they are absolutely necessary if we are going to become the men and women He wants us to be.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “Saying Yes To The Impossible”” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2009.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org