But out of the sheer goodness of my heart,
because of who I am,
I keep a tight rein on my anger and hold my temper.
I don’t wash my hands of you.
Do you see what I’ve done?
I’ve refined you, but not without fire.
I’ve tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction.
Out of myself, simply because of who I am, I do what I do.
I have my reputation to keep up.
I’m not playing second fiddle to either gods or people. Isaiah 48:9-11 (MSG)
Beloved — the Lord is gracious and good to us to make us ready for the times coming, to accomplish His plan and glory that all might see Him and know His love, justice, and Truth. Don’t you know? In His love He chastens and disciplines us, refining us for the work He has for us — to show His Glory.
…but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. Hebrews 12:10b
The Father in His goodness will not leave us in the state we are currently in, knowing that we need to grow and change to become like His Son. The Holy Spirit drawing us ever more and more into His council and wisdom, leading us into humility and lowliness of mind so that we won’t think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. So many of us are in another season and round of refinement by the Spirit of God. What we were allowed before we no longer are to tolerate in our lives. The path has narrowed and the steepness has increased. The Lord is a lamp to our feet, and only lights the next step, bringing us to a closer obedience to His Voice. We are required to listen with ‘ears to hear’ and with an ‘open heart’ and a willingness to do His ‘call’ as He prepares to further His people in the earth for His glory.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:5-8
Now is the time to step into the life of TC2 (terminally committed to Christ) . Knowing the reward He has set before us, we put away fear and walk with humility with our Lord, to carry out His wishes for us in this day. Let us be like the boy Samuel.
Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (MSG)