I have so many ideas of what to write and share, so it was hard to decide which topic to chose from as they all bounced around my mind. Nonetheless, I chose one.
As I was sitting in my unair-conditioned home in the middle of July I thought to myself, 'Why?! Why does the AC have to be dysfunctional now? It's ridiculously hot and I'm going to melt away. Why?...' The house was disgustingly hot, and no matter how many icy showers you take, they are never satisfying; in fact, I don't know if any of you have been in a room that is 90 degrees, but it's not comfortable and makes you sweat... a lot.
Fortunately, I was able to escape this uncomfortable heat. I was shown my "pavilion".
Now your thinking, please what is the point to this story. Let me tell you. In seminary we have had multiple lessons covering the topic trials. But how pertinent those lessons truly are! Life is full of bumps in the road; they test our limits, they test our strength, but most of all they shape us to our potential. How is that! You may wonder, well here's an object lesson I remember:
A piece of wood generally is useless correct? It, however, has potential to become a desk, a couch, a dresser, etc. Do you know how it becomes these end results? The wood must be cut and sized. It must be sanded and finished. In some cases it must be heated and bent, even carved and decorated! Through all the rough and the hard work, a mere stump can be created into a beautiful table. WE are very much like that wood; we begin life with potential and as we progress we through the "bending," "cutting," "heating," and "sanding" reach our ultimate potential. We through the rough molding phases and trials become beautiful masterpieces. The fire may be uncomfortable but it is refining you, perfecting you.
Much to my case The Lord provided me an escape from the "heat." That doesn't mean that our trials are taken away He just provides us with rest, a "pavilion" to stay beneath. As we face our trials do not think that you must suffer; in fact, turn to The Lord, seek him out and you will find comfort from the storms. I think that that is the refining part of trials: our dependence on The Lord. As we grow closer to The Lord, He will help mold you to your potential and be with you through the fire. I offer you this message of hope.
~"...when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10
Click the link for a great video:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xdN8rfwW3SI
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