You Will Come Through This Too and Be Stronger!!!

 

Malachi 3:1-3

The Lord declared through the prophet Malachi: "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD" (Malachi 3:1-3, ESV).

Do your life's battles (conflict, struggles, clashes) seem never-ending? 

I agree, and it's an overpowering experience we all experience.

However, God's word provides the secure anchor needed to see beyond the battles that, if left unchecked, will uproot our faith. I have learned through each action encountered they are growth opportunities. I know, I know, battles, growth, and opportunities. It seems like an oxymoron.

Think about the last battle you encountered; what did you learn?

What happens in the process of growth? As indicated by Malachi 3:1-3 referenced, in refining metals, the metal is heated until it melts, which releases the impurities from it, and then skimmed off, rising to the surface, leaving the pure metal. Without this action of skimming and melting, there could be no purifying. Hence, this action of impurities skimmed off the top allows for the worker's reflection to manifest. So it is with us; as God purifies us, his reflection in our life will become increasingly apparent to those around us. 

So why is refining an essential process for growth? 

As mentioned earlier, opportunities provide levels of growth needed for areas of purifying. Opportunities to grow are everywhere. Ephesians 5:16 says, "Making the best use of time, because the days are evil" (ESV). And Hebrews 4:7 emphasizes, "Again, he limited a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (KJV).

 The scripture asks: But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? God is coming back for a prepared people devoid of impurities.

Is God's reflection in your life increasingly apparent to those around you? 

Stronger in the Lord,

Minister Sylvia Joyner