How to Get the Most Out of Trials

“I’m not going to say it again, this is your final warning!” We’ve all heard parents say it or maybe even said it ourselves. Sometimes things reach a point where more words won’t make a difference and real consequences are called for. 

Malachi was the last prophet to speak in the Old Testament. He prophesied about 400 years before the birth of Jesus. His message was, in a sense, the final warning before the coming of the Messiah. Even though the physical temple had been rebuilt under the encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, the people were still living selfish and self-indulgent lives.  

In that context Malachi declares God’s final warning, “Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple… “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes” (Malachi 3:1-2). 

Here’s the big idea— Jesus came, not to make us happy, but to make us holy! He didn’t come to save us in our sins, he came to save us from our sins. He is like a refiner of gold, turning up the heat of trials to bring the impurities of our hearts to the surface like impatience, frustration, worry, anger, etc. He is like a launderer using the harshness of adversity to scrub away the grime of stubborn sin like pride, greed, lust and self indulgence.  

If you feel like you are in the fire, take heart, it shows at least that you are precious to God and worth refining. If you’re feeling distressed and agitated by harsh circumstances, realize that Jesus is doing a deep cleansing and sanctifying work in your heart. 

Let’s humbly embrace Jesus’ purifying work in our lives and submit to the cleansing process.
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