He Is Perfecting You
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:28-29)."
We love to quote Romans 8:28, especially when we go through trying times, but often we leave out verse 29 which is vitally important. Gods purpose is not to make our lives easy and trouble-free, His purpose is to make us more like His Son and for us to make Him known. Granted, God loves blessing His children and graciously provides more than we could ever ask or imagine, however, we need to remember to stay focused on the Giver, not the gift. Jesus is the One who satisfies, who heals, who forgives, who loves, and gives new life. Our relationship with Jesus should take precedence over everyone and everything in our lives.
The Lord desires for us to be holy as He is holy. "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy' (1 Peter 1:13-16)."
As God takes us through painful trials, our faith is tested and is put into action. Not only that, but often times in the trials, we cling to Jesus like never before. We gain new perspective and understand that we are not in control. We learn that Jesus is the only One who can fill every void in our heart. As we are in the fire, God cleanses us and takes away things in us that aren't like Him. This is not an easy process, in fact, it is rather painful and hard, but as you keep your eyes on Jesus, He will give you the grace you need to keep moving forward. He will give you peace in the worst of storms. He will comfort your heart in ways you have never known and He will grow and perfect you in Him.
So, you have a choice to make in the trials. Are you going to believe what man says or are you going to walk by faith and take God at His word? There are two truths you need to remind yourself of: God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He is true to His word. Not one of His promises have failed (and never will). Gods love for you does not change. He is love (1 John 4:8). Love is a part of His divine nature which means it is a part of everything that He does. God is for you my friend! Don't think for a moment that He has forgotten you. "But Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.' 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me (Isaiah 49:14-16)." God. will. never. leave. you. Whether you feel His presence or not, He is with you right now, with every breath you take. "So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)."
As Gods child, He will work it all out for your good and His glory because He promises that He will. Just remember your trial has purpose and it will not last forever. He will take you to the other side. The trial you are in has been chosen for you by God. and He will not leave you in it a moment too long. Give it to Him and trust Him to work it out according to His perfect plan out of His great love for you. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and as you do, remember these words: "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8)."
We love to quote Romans 8:28, especially when we go through trying times, but often we leave out verse 29 which is vitally important. Gods purpose is not to make our lives easy and trouble-free, His purpose is to make us more like His Son and for us to make Him known. Granted, God loves blessing His children and graciously provides more than we could ever ask or imagine, however, we need to remember to stay focused on the Giver, not the gift. Jesus is the One who satisfies, who heals, who forgives, who loves, and gives new life. Our relationship with Jesus should take precedence over everyone and everything in our lives.
The Lord desires for us to be holy as He is holy. "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy' (1 Peter 1:13-16)."
As God takes us through painful trials, our faith is tested and is put into action. Not only that, but often times in the trials, we cling to Jesus like never before. We gain new perspective and understand that we are not in control. We learn that Jesus is the only One who can fill every void in our heart. As we are in the fire, God cleanses us and takes away things in us that aren't like Him. This is not an easy process, in fact, it is rather painful and hard, but as you keep your eyes on Jesus, He will give you the grace you need to keep moving forward. He will give you peace in the worst of storms. He will comfort your heart in ways you have never known and He will grow and perfect you in Him.
So, you have a choice to make in the trials. Are you going to believe what man says or are you going to walk by faith and take God at His word? There are two truths you need to remind yourself of: God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He is true to His word. Not one of His promises have failed (and never will). Gods love for you does not change. He is love (1 John 4:8). Love is a part of His divine nature which means it is a part of everything that He does. God is for you my friend! Don't think for a moment that He has forgotten you. "But Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.' 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me (Isaiah 49:14-16)." God. will. never. leave. you. Whether you feel His presence or not, He is with you right now, with every breath you take. "So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)."
As Gods child, He will work it all out for your good and His glory because He promises that He will. Just remember your trial has purpose and it will not last forever. He will take you to the other side. The trial you are in has been chosen for you by God. and He will not leave you in it a moment too long. Give it to Him and trust Him to work it out according to His perfect plan out of His great love for you. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and as you do, remember these words: "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8)."
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