Job 23:10
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold
Today there may be a trial that you are going through. It may be a tough decision to make. You may seem as if you are so pressed inside that there is no way out. You don't understand right now but the Lord is doing a great work in and through you.
I remember as a child watching my Dad out in the barn working on an engine. He had all kinds of tools. At times he would put the parts he was working on in a bench vise. He would tighten the vise so much that the part could not move. It would put much strain on the part but it would hold it still while he began to work on a certain area. Then when he finished he would loosen the part and place it in the engine for a perfect fit.
Just as my Dad, the Lord Jesus is working on you. Never forget, despite how tight things feel, God is just holding you still in order to shape and mold you into what He desires. Remember, "I shall come forth as gold".
Lord Jesus, please help me to understand that you have my life in total control. Help remind me that you bless me and also shape me. Help me to understand that these trials I face in life are not to make me bitter or question your will, but rather to make me into the "Gold" that you desire for me. Although I may never understand why you choose to do it certain ways, Help me to understand that you do this for my good.
