"The Furnace of Affliction"

- Isaiah 48:10, NIV “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” The Scripture talks about the “furnace of affliction,” where you could either give up and get sour or you can say, “God, I’ll show You what I’m made of. I’ll forgive those who hurt me. I’ll keep believing even though it looks impossible. I’ll stay in faith even though it was unfair.” When you pass those tests, something is deposited inside that nothing can take away. There is a trust, a confidence, a knowing that can be developed only by going through the fire of affliction. I’ve learned that God is not as interested in changing my circumstances as He is in changing me.Where you are today is not nearly as important as who you are becoming. While God is changing the “where,” allow Him to change the “who.” God puts us in the furnace to refine us, to take out the impurities, the selfishness, impatience, anger, and resentment. If you let God refine you and make the necessary changes in your life so you treat people well and handle disappointments without complaining, you can be used for God’s highest purposes.Prayer: Father, thank You that You are refining my life with fire and using the pressure of challenges to make me stronger and grow my character. Thank You that every test of my faith is preparing me to overcome and persevere, to go higher and increase. I believe that I am coming out better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.Send us Fan Mail Pastor Ricardo and Nuvia McCalla and company