Trials by Fire

It’s paramount to know that once you come to Christ doesn’t mean it’s going to be a skip in the park. God is going to work out some things in your life. That includes changing things that were broken, upside down to right side up, adjusting your view and so forth. Have you ever been in a place where it seemed that everything around was counter productive? Seem dysfunctional? The opposite of what should be? Or perhaps going in circles? Not seem to be working out? Makes no sense? Don’t be perplexed as if God isn’t in control. You see these are places and situations He uses to buffet you in order to bring purpose that produces fruitfulness in you. For tribulation works patience, patience experience, experience hope… (Romans 5:1-5). Through my trials one thing for sure I have learned and got hold of… God hates pride, it is detestable to Him. This is what walking in the fire was all about. Amongst other deliverances, pride was the root. And by going through is the very thing that was necessary to burn all of it off — away from me. I now can thank God for every moment.

The refining process is one of great marvel. It puts me in the mind of the great sculptor Michelangelo. He starts out with a block of marble. Then proceeds to chisel away, breaking off blocks of unwanted pieces — bit by bit. During the process you can’t see the final stage until it is all finished, like a vail is covering over it until the final reveal is made. Just like with God when we are thrown in the fire everything is covered. We don’t know why, what and how things are happening but we just need to trust in Him. He knows what He is doing. He is working on you!! Chiseling away everything that is not of Him. And when the final reveal is uncovered. You are presented with the “Real You.” The spiritual you. Minus the pride, anger, malice, unforgiveness, greed or whatever that stood in the way of you proceeding forth in God. Then in His timing He will manifest and show you all the whys, the whats and the hows you had to go through. But trust in Him and don’t give up. There is an expected end and when it finally arrives you will be so ever grateful and thankful for it ALL! I mean you are light, burden free and tuned into God.

The key is let Him complete the process. There is no other way. Be obedient. The right perspective is God’s perspective. His thoughts are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-11). We may not understand why God chooses suffering as a way of growth, but you must trust through the process. We have to allow our faith to be tested — to grow our faith. Let God build your brand and bring you into the place He created you to be. Through the pressing is where His anointing takes birth to flourish you. Embrace this place and be transformed from the inside out. These were the very tools God used to bring me out of strongholds. It is all a matter of shifting the mindset. One of the biggest hindrances from receiving break through is you, because of not yielding to the Spirit.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV).

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NLT).

God resiseth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefor under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-11).

If they are bound in chains and caught up in a web of trouble, He shows them the reason, He shows them their sins of pride. He gets their attention and commands that they turn from evil. “If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives.” All their years will be pleasant. But if they refuse to listen to Him, they will be killed by the sword. (Job 36:8-12).

Focus on God and not the situation. Do not focus on your flesh on how uncomfortable it may feel. Including why or when it is going to end. You’re not to focus on any of these. Don’t talk out (murmur, complain), for it moves over into reasoning. To react to pressure feeds on anxiety that ultimately robs you of His peace. Ssh, quiet down and let Christ rule in your heart. Once we get our minds off us and back onto God all the pressures/anxieties will suddenly become faint. It’s really not about the discomfort, not about me, not about you. It’s all about trusting in GOD.

In doing so, we then can experience the same as Paul: But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy; and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24).

Know that the place where you might be at today is not intended for you to stay. You are in the process for a season. Just remain steadfast and patient — this too shall pass.

Nina Cochran —  excerpt from Journal Writings