MORNING MANNA 7-6-21
FASHIONED IN FIRE
“For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” —Philippians 1:29
I can’t remember the first time I read it, but I distinctly remember the first time the full weight of this verse hit me square in the face. It was a remarkable revelation! It was one of those experiences that you never forget. Although the details of my experience are not important to you, the truth of verse is of great importance to all believers. Suffering is a gift from God! It is a part of God’s plan for His children. Although we do not understand it and would not choose it, suffering plays a vital role in our spiritual development and eternal blessings.
Cortland Myers wrote,”The finest china in the world is burned at least three times, some of it more than three times. Dresden china is always burned three times. Why does it go through that intense fire? Once ought to be enough; twice ought to be enough. No, three times are necessary to burn that china so that the gold and the crimson are brought out more beautiful and then fastened there to stay. We are fashioned after the same principle in human life. Our trials are burned into us once, twice, thrice; and by God’s grace these beautiful colors are there and they are there to stay forever.”
So then, if we are to turn trouble into triumph, let us remember these words from Theodore Cuyler:This school of our Heavenly Father will soon close for us; the term time is shortening every day. Let us not shrink from a hard lesson or wince under any rod of chastisement. The richer will be the crown, and the sweeter will be Heaven, if we endure cheerfully to the end and graduate in glory. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
