This week I've been studying the book of Malachi and this morning there is a lesson that I learned that really touched my heart and I found it encouraging especially for those going through trials in their lives and those who feel like temptation is all around. For those who feel like their weakness in temptation has caused God to forsake them in their difficulties, here is a word of encouragement.
In Malachi, chapter 3, the Lord speaks of the time when Jesus will come back and describes Him as a "refiner". It says:
"for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." Malachi 3:2-3
To us today, this may seem like a strange image: purging as gold and silver. But In ancient times, this form of refining involved a craftsman sitting next to a hot fire with molten gold in a crucible being stirred and skimmed to remove the impurities or dross that rose to the top of the molten metal (Source).
This is exactly what Jesus does with our characters. Like a craftsman, He sits and molds us with His hands to perfect our characters. To help us become better people. However, since we are all flawed, we have many impurities just like the molten metal that need to be removed. We have baggage that stops us from achieving our full potential. This process, just as we can imagine being in fire, is difficult and painful. We go through trials and temptations as Christians so that we can see where we fall short and really realize our weakness.
However, something that often happens as we go through these hardships, we feel like God has forsaken us. We feel as though God is no longer happy with us and doesn't want to be around us because of all these downfalls we experience. This is totally false! On the contrary, the Bible teaches us that "the Lord disciplines the one he loves" (Hebrews 12:6). He allows us to go through these things to fortify us. To help us grow into beautiful reflections of His goodness.
Ellen White explains this beautifully:
"The Master sees wherein we need to be purified for His heavenly kingdom. He will not leave us in the furnace until we are wholly consumed. As a refiner and purifier of silver, He is beholding His children, watching the process of purification, until He shall discern His image reflected in us. Although we often feel affliction's flame kindling about us, and at times fear that we shall be utterly consumed, yet the loving-kindness of God is just as great toward us at these times as when we are free in spirit and triumphing in Him. The furnace is to purify and refine, but not to consume and destroy. God in His providence would try us, to purify us as the sons of Levi, that we may offer to Him an offering in righteousness" SDA Bible Commentary Vol 4
Although we may be struggling and depressed because we feel as though we are failing God, we need to realize that this is meant to help our growth. And for our growth to happen, we need to let ourselves be purged. We need to believe that God is with us and believe He will help us through. Even though our feelings may say that God is not there, He is. We need to pray for strength, courage and willingness to overcome and God will give us victory if we ask and give ourselves to Him. Not only that but we need to rejoice when going through these conflicts because this means we are in the process of healing and changing for the better! James in the Bible explains this nicely:
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."James 1:2-6
So what are some practical tools we can learn here for when this happens to us?
When the trials come, don't be sad, but find joy in that God is helping your growth.
Be patient because you don't know how much time it will take but wait patiently for it to pass and for you to overcome.
Ask God for wisdom, for guidance during these difficult times to know how to handle everything properly.
Ask God in faith because it is by believing in Him that God can help us. So believe that He will answer and can help, and in the right timing you will see your prayers answered.
I find this so encouraging because having been through trials with my faith these past months, I failed to remember that God was there and He loved me. I was constantly oppressed by the thought that He was fed up and disappointed in me which stopped my growth. Only when I looked to Jesus for help and asked Him to get me out of my depressive state did miracles in my heart start to happen and things changed. Demons like to whisper false things to us to divert our minds from our Saviour which is why it's crucial to remember the promises and lessons from God's word. This will help us fight back against our negative thoughts.
Let's hold onto the promises that:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."Isaiah 41:10
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."Deuteronomy 31:8
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17
I hope you find comfort in these words and that from now on you will trust in our God in all times so that you can continue your journey knowing God loves you and is there with you. May God bless you all abundantly!
A prayer to pray: Dear God, thank you for caring so much for me that you help me in this growth process. Help me to remember your promises that when hard times come, I can learn to rely on you. Please give me patience, joy, wisdom and faith to go through these challenges and thank you for Your everlasting love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Much love and smiles,
Nahisha :)
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