Wisdom for Wednesday - The Furnace

Hi there!

So glad you dropped by for today's bit of wisdom.

Not mine, of course. 

Take a look at this gem from Warren Wiersbe:

I actually read this quote last week as I studied grace--God's provision for every need. I had also read Kristi's wisdom post from last week and was thinking about the health issues she has battled this year. Then I started thinking about a struggle that I'm facing in my own life right now. 

And I realized...sometimes we feel like we're in the fiery furnace (find the Biblical story in Daniel 3)!

It may be health issues, personal tragedies, financial pressures, or relationship issues. I'm sure each of us could name a situation or area of our life where we have felt like we were in a battle (a furnace) and wondered when it will end.

I'm reminded of when Paul wrote about "a thorn" in his flesh. We don't know exactly what that "thorn" was, but we do know that Paul asked the Lord three times for it to be taken from him. He wanted relief from it, much like we do from our own battles.

Here is the Lord's response in II Corinthians 12:9: 

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Paul then continues, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (vs. 9b-10)

When I remember and consider these words, my prayers from the "furnace" are quite different. And while I still pray for relief, I also pray for the grace to sustain me through it.

Have a grace-filled day!