I ask you to travel back into time, turning the pages of the book of your life. What is that darkest chapter, the page stained with the most tears, perhaps the hidden deepest sorrow that only a few may know about, or perhaps that sudden raw tragedy through which you had to walk open for all the world to see?
If you are a child of God, we each will have our moment of fire – burning, ravishing, raging fire – fire that destroys and brings greatest hurt and sorrow – yet the same fire that God uses in our lives to refine and purify the treasured vessel before Him.
Have you noticed that often the most joyful and most dedicated Christians are the ones who have walked through the deepest heartaches and most painful losses? Often, we only see the success and the glory of a seasoned saint of God – the glow of the gold. Yet, if they were to begin to share with you their testimony, turning back the pages of time, that deep trial of their faith, that “fiery trial” that forever changed their lives, comes to the surface of their story.
What is the key? How do you come through the fire rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory? Why do some become bitter, angry, and aged beyond their years, while other Christians come forth with praises on their lips giving honor to their God for His faithfulness?
How can we experience the glow and beauty of victory evidenced in everything we touch for the Lord? I believe the key is found in these verses – tucked right in between the two prevailing thoughts – two powerful words: “yet believing,” This is the key! This is the path to prevailing victory through our tears!
Yes, there is pain and hurt in the FIRE, but notice their FOCUS, on the One whom having not seen they love! Notice their FAITH in this One that they love – it’s all about faith – remember, this is “the trial of your faith.” Imagine that God Almighty counted you faithful to enter a little into His sufferings, to prove that your faith in Him and His Word would remain true and unshakeable! “Yet believing”– Don’t let this deep trial shake your faith in Him – “ye rejoice with joy unspeakable…”
This “unspeakable joy” – does that mean perhaps there are no words to describe the depths? Could it be that this joy is so personal, so fulfilling, so exceeding abundant, it is simply too much to try to express? Dear Christian, keep believing! God has not finished writing your story!
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