As I sat and listened to Pastor Jason’s message on Sunday, I was actively processing my own “fire” I’ve been walking through for the past few months. Trials, attacks, and even the pruning process of God has been a regular part of my days.
Just as I hand something over to the Lord and say a tearful “goodbye”, it seems as though He asks me to give Him something else...slowly peeling the onion layers of my heart, until only the center is left and exposed. Jesus knows exactly how to get through to us, doesn’t He?
“The fire will not destroy you, but it will refine you.”
This phrase keeps echoing in my mind this week. Because to be honest with you, sometimes I do believe the fire will destroy me. The enemy convinces me that it’s just too much, and I will eventually break.
But nowhere in scripture do we see this in the life of believer. In fact, we have multiple verses that point to something far different…the trials are present, but the swallowing, overwhelming, drowning? That is not.
Instead, we are promised just enough strength for the day. Enough filling of His Spirit. Enough wisdom and discernment. Enough courage to walk into the face of our fears. Enough hope for tomorrow.
Just like the verse shared by Pastor Jason on Sunday in Isaiah 43:2, which promises us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (ESV)
We also see this concept in Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench, He will faithfully bring forth justice.” (ESV)
If trials are truly meant to refine us, we are safe in believing that we will not break. That God will never allow complete and utter overwhelm.
I don’t know about you, but heading into the holiday season and all that it brings does threaten to overwhelm me at times. And I’m not just talking about all the “to-do’s”, but also the fact that there are loved ones who will be greatly missed. The empty seats at the dinner table. An aching inside many human hearts this season that can be tangibly felt - grief, sadness and a longing for heaven.
As you find yourself in your own “fire” moments, I am praying that you will remember the verses above. That you will look back and remember the fact that He has never once failed you. He has never once pulled back His hand of grace from your life. He has never once left you lying on the cold, dark, floor….but instead, has always been present right beside you.
Walk forward knowing that He will once again, see you through in this.
The Refiner’s hand is full of purpose.
This season of fire will not be wasted. You can trust what He is doing, even here…even now. Your purpose is clear…stay faithful in the fire.
Just as I hand something over to the Lord and say a tearful “goodbye”, it seems as though He asks me to give Him something else...slowly peeling the onion layers of my heart, until only the center is left and exposed. Jesus knows exactly how to get through to us, doesn’t He?
“The fire will not destroy you, but it will refine you.”
This phrase keeps echoing in my mind this week. Because to be honest with you, sometimes I do believe the fire will destroy me. The enemy convinces me that it’s just too much, and I will eventually break.
But nowhere in scripture do we see this in the life of believer. In fact, we have multiple verses that point to something far different…the trials are present, but the swallowing, overwhelming, drowning? That is not.
Instead, we are promised just enough strength for the day. Enough filling of His Spirit. Enough wisdom and discernment. Enough courage to walk into the face of our fears. Enough hope for tomorrow.
Just like the verse shared by Pastor Jason on Sunday in Isaiah 43:2, which promises us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (ESV)
We also see this concept in Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench, He will faithfully bring forth justice.” (ESV)
If trials are truly meant to refine us, we are safe in believing that we will not break. That God will never allow complete and utter overwhelm.
I don’t know about you, but heading into the holiday season and all that it brings does threaten to overwhelm me at times. And I’m not just talking about all the “to-do’s”, but also the fact that there are loved ones who will be greatly missed. The empty seats at the dinner table. An aching inside many human hearts this season that can be tangibly felt - grief, sadness and a longing for heaven.
As you find yourself in your own “fire” moments, I am praying that you will remember the verses above. That you will look back and remember the fact that He has never once failed you. He has never once pulled back His hand of grace from your life. He has never once left you lying on the cold, dark, floor….but instead, has always been present right beside you.
Walk forward knowing that He will once again, see you through in this.
The Refiner’s hand is full of purpose.
This season of fire will not be wasted. You can trust what He is doing, even here…even now. Your purpose is clear…stay faithful in the fire.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.