Hope Through It All

Diamonds are formed when coal is placed under tremendous heat and pressure. When a blacksmith is making a great sword, he forges it in fire and and then sharpens it by slowly and methodically grinding away the rough edges. During times when we are feeling the heat, and pressure, it is important to understand that what is actually happening is that we are being shaped into something greater. It is part of a great process where the rough edges are being burned and ground away, leaving something more refined, beautiful, and amazing.

Image courtesy of: Sigurd R

Scripture:
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” – Job 13:15

Observation/Application:
Sometimes when things don’t go our way, it can be easy for us to doubt the process. But when we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, we understand that our circumstances are only temporary and can move forward in faith knowing that God will turn our circumstances around. In this scripture, Job declares this to his friends. He shows his commitment, even in the face of severe trial.

Job provides a great example of human emotion and action under extreme duress. Through his words we can see that his pain is very real. And although he asks God a lot of really tough questions, he never loses hope. He seeks and prays through it all. Even though he feels like he is being slain, he maintains his faith and his commitment to the Lord.

This kind of faith is exactly what turns things around for Job. Faith is not required when things are going our way – when we have a good job, when our health is good, and when things are going good at home. But faith is required and really tested when things are not going our way. During this time do we turn to God, praise Him, and hope in him to the end? Or do we turn from God and say that we are mad at him for doing this to us?

Let us never doubt God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. When times get tough is when we need him most. During these times it is critical that we commit to the Lord in all our Ways, no matter the circumstances, and through it all. And when the pressure is released, and the heat is removed, God’s amazing plan and creation will be revealed. And the result will far exceed anything that we could ever imagine or hope for.

Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Fill us with your goodness. Encourage us. Lift us up. Help us to know that our circumstances are only temporary. Build up our faith Lord. Help us to walk boldly knowing the beautiful creation that you have made. Reveal in us a clean heart, and your amazing purpose. Guide our every step, our every word, our every thought. We thank you for all that you have done, and are about to do. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Image courtesy of: crazyluca69

Photo By Sigurd R

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