REFINED ‘IN THE FURNACE OF SUFFERING’

'I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.’ Isaiah 48:10 Never become jealous of someone else’s talent. And don’t be intimidated by it, because the God who called and equipped them will use you too. When you learn to appreciate and applaud the gift of God in someone else’s life, you put yourself in a position where He can bless you as well. The fact is, we’re all necessary to God’s plan. The Bible says, ‘God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased’ (1 Corinthians 12:18 NKJV). God sets and God allocates! So seek Him and you’ll find your assignment. Why did Jesus say, ‘Many are called, but few chosen’ (Matthew 20:16 NKJV)? Part of the answer is found in these words: ‘I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.’ You need more than just a calling – you need character in order to have credibility. And that means spending time in the refiner’s fire. Generally speaking, it’s not your calling that gets you into trouble; it’s your character – or lack of it! God says: ‘I want to see how you respond under pressure. When you want a yes, but you have to live with a no. When you desire to be in public ministry, but you’re assigned to a back room.’ God is a wise businessman; He doesn’t put untested merchandise in His window. So what ‘furnace of suffering’ are you in today? Are you feeling the heat of the refiner’s fire? If so – rejoice! When you come out, you’ll be equipped and ready for service. And that’s the word for you today!