Testing & Gold

“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:8-10
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Ever feel this way about God? You pray but it seems that God’s not listening. You cry but the heavens seem silent. Your spirit groans. Your heart is sick.
You turn this way or that way seeking guidance or even a shimmer of comfort from a brother, a friend, from anyone.
You feel coldness. Feelings lie. Others don’t understand you. They simply do not comprehend the fire that you are going through. They want to understand but can’t.
This is between you and God. He has you in a valley and there is no way out. The footpath upwards is slippery and your attempts have left you bruised, bleeding, and bewildered.
“What sin have I performed, you cry out?” “What must I do to gain favor with you Lord?” The answer is deafening in its silence.
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Know this. God loves you so much that He allows suffering. He looks at your heart when suffering occurs. He is more interested in what is taking place in your heart than in your present happiness. For happiness can come and go… its fluff… compared to having His Son’s character built into your life.
Character will get you through the fire, through the valley, and present you as gold. Gold tried in the fire. The dross may rise to the surface but deep inside you, deep where God is searching He sees gold… Godly character.
To have the mind of Christ, to follow His example, to be more than you could ever dream is the creation that God is molding you, shaping you, purifying you… like precious gold.