“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it…” -Isaiah 48:10-11a
It is important to remember there is no true “past tense” in the Hebrew language of old. So when we see what is translated as past tense in the Scriptures it is important for us to know that what is said has always been true, continues to be true today and will continue to be true until the Day of Christ’s return. Also, in this context and many places in the Scriptures this “you” is a plural “you” so as to speak of ALL God’s people. But, also, when the “you” in a passage is singular it still represents ALL God’s church for God works in us individually to be sure but also that we might be a blessing for the greater whole. For we are ALL one in Him and He does His work in all who are His for His glory and for our edification.
Consider what God says, “Behold, I have refined you . . . I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.” In ways beyond our understanding, God has His own great name at stake in our suffering. In fact, the stakes are very high. The way we respond to suffering isn’t just for our spiritual benefit; God’s own good name is on the line. When God tests us in the furnace of affliction, He has a purpose for all to see and grow from. He test us as a whole to strengthen us but also so we learn to trust Him in all things. For without this trust as was said in Sunday School this past week we walk by sight rather than by faith and that is always a formula for despair and discouragement for we will lack assurance. Now, realizing this won’t make the pain go away, but it will help us remember that our trials are never random and our pain is never arbitrary and it is never wasted. The way we lean on God through the dark times will be told and retold when our lifetime on earth is only a distant memory.
My prayer today for all of us is that God would enable us to respond to Him in trust and confidence. So that even on those days when we struggle to keep our head above water, we can still end the day bringing Him glory.
God Bless y’all.
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
