Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “Effectual Prayer,” in Signs of the Times, Nov. 18, 1903; Ellen G. White Comments, p. 1182, in The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4 “God Permits Trial and Affliction to Purify Me,” p. 92, in My Life Today.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects, and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified.” — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 471.
Discussion Questions:
- It really can be hard while we are reaping the consequences of our sin. “Will I ever be able to be made right with God again?” we ask. What promises does God make that can encourage us to persevere through such times and not give up? (See what Paul writes later in Romans 5:1-11.) What can you say to someone who is asking this very question?
- What does Ellen G. White mean by “His providence”? How does this work? How do you know when something happens by God’s providence? What acts of God’s “providence” have led to trials in your own life? As a class, discuss what you’ve learned at this time. How might you help someone else who is wondering whether some event is indeed “His providence”?
- If you know someone who is going through a crucible experience right now, does it matter, or should it matter, what brought it on? That is, how should you react to this person and his or her suffering, regardless of what caused it?
- A Christian young man living in South America went through a bitter trial. After it was over, he moved to Europe and later commented to someone, “I left my corpse in South America.” What does that mean? Why must we all, in a sense, leave our corpse somewhere? What role do trials have in that process?
- As a class, plan an outing to a hospital or somewhere where you could be of help, comfort, and cheer to those who, for whatever reason, are in a crucible.
|
<–Thursday
(11)
Quote from Ellen White:
“He who reads the #hearts# of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them.
God looks at our motivations (minds and heart) that work out in our flesh/body, in speech and actions.
We revealed ourselves to others, and #ourselves# in our words and actions.
Matthew 15:11
if we start to analyze introspectively before we speak and act, like bringing every thought captive to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, we can train our minds to submit to godliness by submitting to the influence of the written Word and the power of the holy Spirit in our sanctification process.
This can take a long time to perfect, as we learn from our many failings and repent to our high priest who carries our failings in his body that unites us continually with the Spirit's work in us.
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Shalom in his grace, majesty and lordship !
🙏
Living in a sin-infected world, we are constantly exposed to trying experiences that stress and or distress us. This is what sin is and does - to the 'guilty' and 'innocent' alike. Within this context, each if is - whether we are aware of it or not - necessarily and unavoidably forming our character one way or another. God aims to help us each build the character that is essential for abundant life - a character that is based upon absolute trust in God as our One and Only Source of everything that is needed for sharing in His abundant life (John 10:10).
When we are in circumstances that bring us undone, we realise afresh our absolute need of God and are drawn more and more 'desperately' to Him. The more this happens, by much practice we come to realise to the depth of our being that God is what we need most. And the 'fruit' of this practice is an ever deepening desire for God (as per Psalm 42:1-2).
Though God does not create trials, this is why He needs to "allow" and "permit" that which was meant by evil to steal, kill and destroy us to instead bring about good (Romans 8:28).
I hope this helps encourage you that even amid trials that are excruciating at the time. God is working for you not against you (Romans 8:31) - despite Satan trying to convince you otherwise.
The Ellen White passages listed for today's lesson are well worth reading for insight and encouragement.
There are different types of crucibles, and we may not always know which type we are going through. Sometimes trying to work out the “why” can take our energy and attention- Did I bring this on myself? Is it Satan? Is it God? Whatever crucible it is, God is aware of it. As long as we remain in him, he promised to work it for good.
Crucibles of Satan – When Satan attacks, God has promised, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).”
Crucibles of Sin- When trials are brought by our own sinful choices, Christ says, “Come now, and let us reason together...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).”
When we go through crucibles caused by the effects of just being in a sin-filled world, God promises, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).”
Crucibles of Purification are for our salvation – God wants to remove the dross in us so, “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:3).” You may have heard the story of the woman who visits the silversmith in her quest to understand God’s refining process. She learns that the silversmith keeps his eyes on the silver the entire time it is in the fire. Too long in the flames, and it would be destroyed. Too short and impurities will remain. The woman then asked the silversmith, ‘How do you know when the silver is fully refined?’ He answered, ‘That’s easy — when I see my image in it.’ God will keep us in the crucible of purification until he sees his image in us.
Crucibles of Maturity are for our sanctification- These crucibles are for our benefit and for the benefit of others that they may see our fruit and glorify our Father in Heaven. Jesus says, “I am the TRUE vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. John 15:1-2”
Lord, whatever crucible I may be in, help me to wait on you believing that you will keep me in perfect peace if my mind is stayed on you – not on the flames, not on the pain, but on you- because I trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).
when I see #my image in it.#
God will keep us in the crucible of purification until he sees his image in us.
Priceless !
Thank you
Shalom 🙏
It is comforting to know that God is seeking to correct my character. I do want to be fitted for heaven, and I'm glad I don't have to worry about how that's going to happen as I put my trust in God (Proverbs 3:5,6).