A Faith Refinedنموونە

A Faith Refined

Grabbing another tissue from the box, I sniffled and sneezed as I suffered through another bout with COVID. This was my second round of COVID and although it was milder than the first, it was still unpleasant. I wasn't upset that I had gotten COVID but this was smack dab in the middle of 100 things that had gone wrong in our household. My dog had just had eye surgery, then came down with a horrible stomach illness causing her to become violently ill for several days. My daughter was having multiple problems with her vehicle, my son was having issues with his vehicle, and I was swamped with work.

But did I mention that my husband was on sabbatical? The timing could not have been worse.

My husband had taken off three months after 23 years of ministry. We made great plans to have lots of time to spend together. Lazy mornings reading the newspaper praying and spending time reading the word. After numerous cups of coffee, we would spend the afternoon doing light chores or other housework until it was time to rest in the evening. We'd been looking forward to it for months but trial after trial proved less than refreshing.

Trials happen to everyone. No matter how much we pray and wish them away, everyone suffers trials. The timing especially can be very difficult. But I've come to learn that it is not the fact we have trials, but rather my reaction to them, that refines me.

When we choose to rejoice in the middle of the trial, our faith is strengthened.

When we choose to be grateful to God for all the ways we’ve seen him work, God is glorified.

When we exhibit the fruits of the spirit instead of reacting out of anger or fear, our faith is proven genuine.

God never promised we'd be free from trouble. In fact, he promised that many days would be filled with trouble. However, it is our reaction to it that matters. God never wastes our pain. As we choose to react through difficulty with gratitude, joy and love, our faith is refined like never before.