Take away the dross

Take away the dross 
Scripture: Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Proverbs 25:4

Observation:- This Proverb looks at the refining process of silver, whereby the impurities (called the dross) are burned away by fire. The result is a vessel for the finer, or something of fine, precious value.

Spiritually, this speaks of how God sends us tests and hardships, problems and difficulties which we struggle to face. Somehow at the end of the day, we realize that it was God’s purpose to make us better people through that suffering we endured. The greatest example of all was of course our Lord Jesus. Born into the world in a lowly stable, the Lord endured a difficult start to life, working hard as a carpenter, and losing his earthly father early on. Finally, he was subjected to the worst torture and suffering to be endured by anyone throughout history as He gave His life to bring salvation to the world. In the Book of Hebrews, it is written that Jesus was perfected through His suffering. How much more those of us who follow Him?

Early Christians were martyred by the thousands and the underground church in China were persecuted for many decades. However, in today’s world, probably not many of us have truly suffered in that way. Nevertheless, we experience the day to day disappointments and sufferings like the breakdown of relationships, loss of loved ones, failed business ventures or investments, lost opportunities, verbal and physical abuse. No one born into this world can escape suffering. However, those of us who know God must realize that suffering is part of God’s way of making us better, purer, more refined for His service.

In the Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren asks us to serve God with our unique SHAPE – Skills, Heart, Ability, Personality and Experience. Our painful experiences in the past can especially be used to help others who are going through similar pains and touch them in a special way because we too understand.

For me, there are 3 main purposes of suffering. Growth, God and Grace. Firstly, we grow through our suffering. Secondly, we draw closer to God through our suffering and finally, we learn to understand the Grace God gives us to enable us to serve Him even in our humble weakness.

Application: Bring whatever suffering we have to God and let Him use it to help us grow, draw closer to Him and lean on His grace.

Prayer: Lord, all my suffering I submit to you. Let it help me grow, Lord, and help me know You more, and know Your grace more and more. In Jesus name, Amen