Who keeps our soul among the living,and does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads;We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
The testing of our faith always produces testimony and while we may not like the test, we can usually look back and appreciate it. I can't speak for the world, but many people would probably say they wouldn't trade their "testing/refining" period in their lives for anything. The reflection period of pain, dreams deferred, of hopelessness during a low period in our lives often produces faith and character. It bring everything in us out of us to show what we're really made of.
The psalmist is praising God for not only testing but that during the process,He kept him. I hear the hymn "Oh To Be Kept by Jesus" in my mind as I type. The refiners fire is almost unbearable because it is a purging process purifying our hearts, minds, and souls. These parts of our lives should remain as pure as possible since we must love God with all three. Jesus said it was the greatest and foremost commandment.
No matter what you're facing that has your back up against the wall, we can rest assured that God not only is with us every step of the way; but He will bring us out! He will not only bring us out, but it will be to a place of rich fulfillment; better than you could've dreamed or planned for yourself. Our trails and testimonies are precious to Him during the shaping periods and will be encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters who may entering a trial, currently in one, or coming out. Don't focus on your test, but your testimony which has RICH fulfillment.
Mark 22:36-38
Love this, Lillian. These times have formed me, completely. I find that His faithfulness in during "life events" is unlike any other. He's got us.
ReplyDeleteReading this was like eating a filling dinner. Blessings to you!