Come Forth as GoldSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: God's people must be patient. Patience is endurance, steadfastness, longsuffering, and forbearance. The psalmist learnt to be patient when confronted by the prosperity of the wicked. We should face adversity patiently. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3,4)
It is good for your faith to be tested. So often we say that faith is more precious than gold. But, the Bible says that the trial of your faith is more precious than gold. It comes to everybody.
"When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)
I was reading the life history of Sir Isaac Newton, the great scientist. One day, he left a lot of papers on the table. They contained the results of a very important research he had done till then. He went out for a walk. When he came back, what he saw on his table really broke his heart. His little dog, Diamond had jumped over the table and had knocked down the ink bottle and all the papers were floating in a pool of ink. Nothing was visible on the sheet of paper. He did not know what to do. Many, many years of painstaking labour were lost just in a twinkle of the eye. But all Newton said was, "Oh, Diamond!" That was all! He asked, "What else could be done with the dog?"
Dear friend, the trial of our faith alone will bring us patience.
"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord; that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." (James 5:11)
The Lord proved that He is very compassionate and merciful, through the life of Job.
"And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10)
Do you have patience in your heart? Are you waiting for God's promise to be fulfilled? When people mock at you, are you patient? You will never be put to shame. He will take care of you. He will bless you doublefold. Let patience do a perfect work within you.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Fill my heart with an unshakable faith. Give me patience to endure the trials and tribulations of this world. Help me to walk in Your ways even when my faith is tested and help me to come out as gold. I give You all the glory. In Jesus' precious name, I pray.
Amen. |