In the Crucible

Scriptures:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4 NIV)

But he knows the way that I take; When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10 NIV)

For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined (Psalm 66:10 NASB)

I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold (Zechariah 13:9 NLT)

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold (1 Peter 1:7 NLT)

My child, do not reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t get angry when he corrects you. The Lord corrects those he loves, just as parents correct the child they delight in (Proverbs 3:11-12 NCV)

I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering (Isaiah 48:10 NLT)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV)

No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it! Corinthians 10:13 NET)

We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NCV)

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12 NIV)

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)

Dear friends, your faith is going to be tested as if it were going through fire. Do not be surprised at this (1 Peter 4:12 NLV)

Those who suffer because that is God’s will for them must entrust themselves to a faithful creator and continue to do what is good (1 Peter 4:19 NOG)

So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you (1 Peter 4:19 TLB)

We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. 4 And patience produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-4 NCV)

Quotes:
If you are going to live by faith, then expect your faith to be tested. A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted (Warren Wiersbe)

 Affliction is often that thing which prepares an ordinary person for some sort of extraordinary destiny (C.S. Lewis)

At least in the world we know, it takes trials to make something beautiful and useful out of the raw materials of life. The student’s struggle with truth develops his intelligence; the athlete’s struggle with his records and his opponents helps to develop his muscles and coordination; the musician’s struggle with more difficult pieces develops his playing skill; and the soul’s struggle with the trials of life helps to build character (Warren Wiersbe)

It’s doubtful that God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply (A.W. Tozer)

Men will never become great in theology until they become great in suffering (Charles Spurgeon)

God will never allow any action against you that is not in accord with His will for you (Jerry Bridges, Author)

Disruptive moments in our lives are upsetting, and none of us likes unwelcome surprises or sudden crises. But the Lord watches over His children and He has a purpose in every problem and a pathway through every pain (David Jeremiah)