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Day 4: The Fire Of Purification

If trials have the potential to short circuit our destiny, why does God allow us to go through them?

Because if we stick with God, the fire of a trial won’t destroy us, it will purify and refine us.

We usually do not see the good side of a trial until it is over, but there are tremendous benefits when we endure trials with Jesus. We grow our Spiritual maturity as a result. Men, this is key. We must always be growing! Every challenge we face will require more and more of us. It’s like progressing through grades in school, the material gets harder. Or it’s like playing at a higher level of sports, the competition gets better. So we need to be prepared to meet the next challenge.

Through life we will face many difficulties in our families, professions, relationships, etc. These things are going to break you down. When you get broken down you will have two choices. You can face the pain and brokenness head on by talking to God about it and seeking wisdom in His Word. Or you can choose your own path and self-medicate the pain with alcohol, sex, pornography, drugs, work, making money, entertainment, etc.

If you choose your own path you will eventually become bitter. If you seek God in it you will eventually become better.

Joseph was a man who was purified by his trials. His brothers sold him into slavery. As a slave he was faithful and took care of the affairs of his master’s household. His master’s wife falsely accused him so he was thrown in prison. In prison he was still faithful so they put him in charge of the prisoners. He helped one prisoner learn he was going to be freed and asked the man to mention him to Pharaoh. The man forgot about him for another 2 years! But eventually Joseph got his opportunity from the hand of God and he wound up being promoted to 2nd in charge in all of Egypt.

Joseph was 17 when he was sold into slavery. He was 30 when he was promoted to be in charge. He spent 13 long hard years being purified by fire. The purification that the fires had on Joseph was that he learned humility, responsibility, logistics, and reliance on God. Those were all the skills he would need to save Israel and Egypt during a horrific 7-year famine.

What might God be trying to purify in you during your trials? Ask God this every time you face a difficulty. Take some time to think and pray about it.