Fire Removes Impurities

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Fire

I underlined this verse during my days in the big, hot, pot of fire, I now call refinement. Oh! How these days can be dreary. Your life feels like it hit a dead end. God would never have us experience situations against our own will. Would He? Trust me, I have been here. Even when God nudged me with encouragement, I could not believe a word He whispered. Circumstances looked so bleak. We find ourselves in situations we believe we will be in forever.

Seasons change

I am thankful I heard Marilyn Hickey speak on seasons. Seasons last for a time and a new one will come. This is part of God’s process. The length of seasons have much to do with our reactions. We can keep the same and receive the same results, as the fire heats up.  In order for our seasons to change, our reactions must change. I know someone thinks…how is it possible to think someone or some circumstance will change. Truth: people and circumstances may never change. We change. God’s will becomes our will, not our will becomes God’s will. This is why we find ourselves in a pot of fire. God desires to burn off impurities, refill with the Word of God, and prepare us to become ready for service. In all we do, may we glorify God. We learn many life lessons during time in the fire. The toughest interactions are intended to prepare us for our destiny.

Jesus came to serve

Jesus did not come to earth to be served. He came to earth to serve. Jesus did not demand respect for His royal blood. The opposite as He hung on the cross. Jesus shed His blood for every person willing to surrender and ask for forgiveness. He was perfect, without sin. For us to become in His likeness, we purify ourselves during the fire from tactics of this world. Jesus desires for us to seek His righteousness and to become holy as He is holy. As we work towards this goal, we understand we are not of this world. We are in the world, yet during salvation, our identity joins with Christ.

• Jesus = peace
• World = trouble

Overcomer, come on!

When I read the above verse in my Bible, the line was drawn. A smily face added. I declared, “Jesus, if you can overcome this world, so can I.” This was the day I began to change my reactions and felt the fire lessen. During this time, I joined a study on Breaking Free from Beth Moore. I am sure God had her write this study just for me. HA! I am only kidding. However, this study came in perfect time for me. This blog may be perfect time for you or a friend. You may need to hear Marilyn Hickey’s sermon on seasons or complete Beth Moore’s Breaking Free Bible study. I believe God’s Word. I believe you are an overcomer. It is time to come on over.

Be encouraged! Time in the fire, is all about the power of God’s love.