“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who endured the cross, despising the shame, and is at the right hand of God…” Hebrews 12:2
Read: Psalms 66:8-12; I Corinthians 2:6-10
It is amazing the thoughts that usually go through our minds when we think of God’s dealing in our lives. The last thing any of us imagine about God’s encounter with us is a furnace experience. However, God does indeed take us through certain paths in life that we don’t understand or appreciate to prepare us for the great future he has for us. The Psalmist said God sometimes takes us through the prison like He allowed in Joseph’s case. He also said God will sometimes cause men to ride over our heads. And to that many of us may exclaim, “God forbid!” But He does all of that and then eventually plants us in a wealthy place. So if you feel like you are being crushed today, trust me you ought to rejoice because there is already a plan to take you out and plant you in God’s wealthy place. And I know you don’t think it’s a good idea to work that way but remember God is all wise. He may have us spend some time in the furnace to examine the genuineness of our faith or to purify us for a more fruitful life in the future. Remember that even the Lord Jesus Christ was exposed to unfair treatment before God ushered Him into His “wealthy place.” The Bible says if the princes of this world (i.e. the devil and his system of evil ingenuity) had known God’s plan, they never would have treated Jesus the way they did. So be encouraged today and follow our Lord’s example. Even though He was going through hell and men were riding on his head, spitting on His face, and crushing his bones, He kept His eyes on the joy set before Him. Wow! What a divine attitude! You can do that too today. Rejoice and watch God bring you into your wealthy place. Hallelujah!