Dealing with Hard Times

"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts." Proverbs 17:3

If you have ever seen unpurified gold or silver, you know it does not look very impressive and not worth much. But once it has been purified, it becomes very valuable! The transformation that must take place will require intense heat. The fire will burn away all impurities leaving the gold in the most purest state. It takes time and a lot of heat, but gold will be converted from granite with little value, to a nugget worth much.

My grandfather once asked me this question. If you squeeze something as hard as you can, what will come out? The answer is, whatever is in it. I know that sounds silly but very true. The same is true for people. When we are going through hard times and we feel we are being squeezed, whatever is in us will come out. When those we know are dealing with tough situations, that is a good time to learn what kind of friend we really have. It is easy to put on a good act of kindness and humility when times are good. But if the kindness and humility are not in the heart, it will not show in hard times. Once one feels squeezed, whatever is in the heart will come out.

Understand that Gods desire is for us to achieve the utmost success in our careers, our life and our families. For us to be of great value, often times it requires great heat to melt away the impurities from our heart so the value can take root and grow into great things.

Father, grant me patience today to deal with the heat that comes my way so that you will be pleased by all that is in my heart. AMEN.