The Furnace of Affliction

Written by: John Sernaque

Call to Worship

Isaiah 48:10

48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

God’s Children Always Being Tested—

God’s children are always being tested in the furnace of affliction. If they endure the first trial, it is not necessary for them to pass through a similar ordeal the second time; but if they fail, the trial is brought to them again and again, each time being still more trying and severe. Thus opportunity after opportunity is placed before them of gaining the victory and proving themselves true to God. But if they continue to manifest rebellion, God is compelled at last to remove His Spirit and light from them (Manuscript 69, 1912). { 4BC 1146.7 }

Sorrow and trial must come to all, and is beautiful only as it works to polish, to sanctify, and refine the soul as a fit instrument to do service for the Lord (Letter 69, 1897). { 4BC 1146.8 }

Trials that must be repeated are the result of rebellion. The lesson was not learned the first time. If God has delivered you from a trial and you take your eyes off Jesus, you are in danger of having to go through that trial once again. Once delivered, and you say thank you God and go off ungrateful on your merry way, that will not be well with God. God will allow the trial again, and worse the second time than the first. This will continue until God can no longer hear your prayers, and His Spirit and light is removed from you. This is not the way to prove yourself true to God. It is by true repentance and contrition of soul that God can polish, sanctify, and refine the soul to be fit for His service. God is long suffering as He loves His children. Serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul, and He will answer your prayers in time of need. Remember to always keep your eyes on Jesus.

Our Father in heaven,

We thank You for the love You have for Your children. We thank You for Your long suffering with us to show us grace in the time of need. We know that we must all experience sorrow and trial in the furnace of affliction for our refinement, to be polished, and sanctified. We pray for the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit and pray that You do not take Your Spirit and light from us. We are sorry and repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. We thank You for giving us the victory over sin. We pray that we are a fit instrument to do Your service. This we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.