We have learned what we lose when we go through the "fires" of our lives; now we can learn what we gain. The Lord allows our faith to be tried. He never leaves or forsakes us. He is with us all the time. He is with us in the "fire" purifying us for His glory.
There are five strength that I have gain by going through the "fires" of my life and I would like to share them with you.
1) Faith
We all have been given a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) As we walk with the Lord, our faith will grow. In James chapter one the Word tells us "that the trying of your faith worketh patience". We can have this confidence, that "Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith". Hebrews 12:2
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 peter 1:6-7 (NJKV)
2) Patience (learning to wait on the Lord)
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of you faith produces patience". James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
Patience is a virtue that we all need to develop. I know sometimes I pray and wonder why I do not receive the answers NOW. But we need to be patient and let our faith work. Remember that “with out faith it is impossible to please God”. Just think about how patient God is with us when we are living our lives for ourselves and not living for Him.
3) Fruit of righteousness
What is righteousness? Well, righteousness is being in right standing with God; when we put our trust in Christ; we become “the righteousness of God in Him”. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Before we were “born again” we were clothed with a garment of shame, guilt and sin. Then Jesus by His precious blood cast those dirty, rotten rags from us as far as the East is from the West and clothed us with a robe of righteousness.
When Abraham believed God [had faith in what God told him] “...it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
So, the trying of our faith bares the fruit of righteousness, because we believe that Jesus is the Christ. As our faith grows, in the knowledge of God’s Word, we produce the fruit of righteousness.
“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” Hebrews 12:5-7(NKJV)
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews12:11(NKJV)
4) Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...”Psalm 111:10
"The fear of the Lord" is not the kind of fear that means afraid, (even though the presence and powerfulness of such a great God is something to feel fearful) but, a fear of reverence and respect, honoring our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength; acknowledging Him as El Shaddai, the one true God that nourishes us, the God that supplies all our needs and brings total satisfaction into our very existence. He is our all in all. There is none other and He alone provided redemption for us and is worthy of all our praise.
5) Acceptance in the beloved
“According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predesignated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein the hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (understanding).” Ephesians 1: 4-8
“...even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
We are becoming as one to be presented to Christ as a bride without spot or wrinkle. As I was praying the Lord showed me that the spots were “shout out” by the blood of the Lamb and the washing of His Word. We are made whiter than snow by being washed by blood and sacrifice of the only begotten Son of God. He has purged us. Not only have we been “bleached” but all the wrinkles are being “ironed” out as we go through the fire. Glory to God! I praise Him for His mercy!
I praise Him for cleansing us and chastising us, taking us through the “fire” to present us as a bride without spot or wrinkle!
Are we ready and looking for our bride groom, our soon coming King?