In the next couple of days we shall be examining, a topic I believe God will both use to liberate and encourage someone. I urge you to stay with me throughout this period and beyond.
A couple walks into a jewelers shop, in search of wedding rings. After several minutes of discussion, the jeweler displays a couple of his merchandise on the table. The couple's choice was a pair of beautiful gold rings, weighing a lot; unknown to them, costing quite a fortune too. Taking the rings, the jeweler placed them on a sort of scale - the type used by jewelers to measure weight of gold. Punching his calculator, the jeweler looked up smiled, and mentioned the price. What he said sort of knocked the couple off balance. "Sorry sir, this price is too much. We'll try another store", the lady said and they walked out.
Why would this couple desire not just any kind of ring, but ones made of gold? It's because gold is PRECIOUS. It's a precious metal mined from the earth. But, when found in its natural state, it is riddled with impurities - pieces of dirty earth, clinging to it. Hence, when it is taken from the earth, would have to go through certain processes to be refined. These processes aren't pleasurable, but TERRIBLE and painful. Not because the refiner desires to destroy the precious metal, but to make it BETTER.
In the same way, God our father desires us to be sorted after, even as we're His representatives on earth. The scripture is replete with numerous references to the refining of gold. Just like gold we're refined through painful experiences. To build our character in preparation for greater glory, God takes us through fiery trials. Over time, our character is built. There is a PURPOSE to every pain.
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