Refined by Fire: Finding Purpose in Suffering

What if suffering and pain become something else in God's hands? What if it gets transformed in the hands of God? What if these things become an opportunity for us to experience the grace of God and in so doing become a witness to his glory? What if this is the way that we get to see God really move in our lives? [00:09:15] (23 seconds)

Scripture tells us that Jesus is right now at the right hand of God the Father doing what? Making intercession for us. You know, he's praying for you like he was praying for Peter that day. He's praying for you that you would succeed, that you would overcome. What did he promise you? I will never leave you. I'll never forsake you. And even if you're going through the valley of the shadow of death, you don't have to fear evil. Why? Because God is with you. [00:34:46] (25 seconds)

No matter what you face in this life, the way to overcome it is through faith. The devil's going to try to sift you. He's going to try to batter you. He's going to try to box you. He's going to try to annoy you. He's going to try to challenge you. He's going to try to overcome your faith. He's going to do it. He wants you to think that what God has given you is not enough. He wants you to quit on your own because he can't stop you himself. [00:43:01] (31 seconds)

God will take the fire that you're walking through and use it to show his power. When you don't react like you used to react, why? Because God has strengthened you. You're not weak like you used to be. When you don't give into that temptation like you used to give into that temptation and you can say no. Why? Because you've been through things and now you got a strength you didn't have before, but you got it now because God was working in you and your faith is authentic. It's real. [00:44:04] (27 seconds)

``In the end, we'll be convinced with Paul that the sufferings of this present time is nothing compared to the glory that's going to be revealed into us. And not only that, we're going to stand in the words of the apostle Peter, where he says, the genuineness of our faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it's tested by fire, will be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus. [00:45:59] (24 seconds)

In the end, we won't be ashamed because we stood our ground on Jesus. In the end, we'll be on the winning team. In the end, we'll have a table prepared for us in the presence of our enemies. Our cup will overflow. No, God will anoint our head with oil and it'll be good. But until then, we're going to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Until then, we're going to be tested and tried in our faith. But remember, God knew Job could handle it. Jesus knew Peter can handle it. And he believes you can handle it too. Trust in Jesus and allow your suffering to be used for something more. [00:46:23] (39 seconds)