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  27^th February 2025

ThursdayReflection

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K. M. Rutere

   a gospel minister with ten years of experience

A Faith Refined by Fiery Trials

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Yet God knows every step I take; if he tests me, he will find me pure.

.....Job 23:10 GNT

Life throws curveballs.
We face trials and tribulations that test our strength, our resolve, and ultimately, our faith.

In these moments of darkness, it's easy to question why we must endure such suffering.
But what if, amidst the flames, there was a purpose, a refining fire designed to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God?

The Book of Job presents a powerful story of unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Job, a man renowned for his piety and righteousness, finds himself stripped of his possessions, family, and health in a seemingly senseless series of calamities.

Yet, amidst the ashes, Job declares, "He will find me pure"

This verse offers a powerful insight into the nature of our faith and the role that trials can play in refining and strengthening it.
In this article, we will explore how God knows us intimately, why he allows us to be tempted, and why our faith is likened to gold that goes through the furnace.
Let's break down Job 23:10.

Suffering is a reality that we all face at some point in our lives.
It may come in the form of illness, loss, conflict, or any number of other challenges.

It's important to remember that suffering is not something that God causes or desires for us.
In fact, God grieves over our suffering and wants to bring us healing and restoration
(Psalm 34:18).
However, God does allow suffering to come to our lives for a purpose.
He uses it to shape and refine us, to draw us closer to Him, and to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives (Romans 5:3-5).

The phrase "He knows the way that I take" emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of Job.
God's knowledge of Job transcends mere observation; it's a deep-seated awareness built through a personal connection.
It's an intimate understanding, encompassing every facet of his being - his thoughts, actions, and even the hidden depths of his heart.

God's knowledge of job wasn't mere intellectual awareness; it was a profound understanding of Job's character, vulnerabilities, and strengths.

God wasn't a distant spectator but an intimate companion, walking beside him every step of the way.
He didn't just know Job's every step; He knew the path ahead, the trials Job would face, and the depth of his faith that could endure them.
God accepted Satan's challenge to test Job with confidence because He was aware of Job's resilience. We read:

"The Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?'"

..... Job 1:8 NKJV

It wasn't a test of Job's guilt, but a testament to his resilience, a chance for his faith to shine even brighter.

God knew that Job was an upright man.
He had first-hand knowledge of the events in Job's life and knew his pain, suffering, struggles, and challenges.

This means that God is intimately acquainted with us.
He is personally well-acquainted with our physical, mental, and spiritual structures.
He has firsthand knowledge of the events in our lives and is aware of our pain, suffering, struggles, and difficulties.

Far from Job's declaration in this verse, God does not test anyone.
God tested Job in the sense that He allowed the test:
He didn't orchestrate the suffering, but He knew it would occur and allowed it to unfold, confident in Job's ability to emerge victorious.

God is not the source of pain and suffering:
He never delights in our struggles.
His ultimate desire is for our well-being and joy.

Job's story exemplifies this.
Job's trials were not punishment for sin, but a test of his unwavering devotion in the face of immense adversity.

This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request

K. M. Rutere
is a gospel minister with ten years of experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Bugema University.
He has worked as a campus chaplain, district pastor, and marriage counselor.
In his free time, he enjoys writing, videography, music production, art and craft, and graphic design.

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