My resume says that I am flexible and dynamic, embracing change with ease. While that statement is true in my professional life, I must admit I have a more difficult time with transforming me, especially in the middle of a trial. I simply want the trial to end quickly with me standing victorious – going from the beginning to the end with nary a singe. I want to pray and have an answer immediately – all my problems solved – and me changed for the better. I don’t want to work out what I need to learn; I don’t want to wait long for an answer: I don’t want to seek out the root of the problem – it might be me.
I fail to remember the fire of the trial burns up the dead wood in my character and provides purified ground for new growth – new traits. That is, I believe, the Father’s expectation for me during a trial. That I would not just come out the other side, but that I would emerge better, whole, healed, restored. In faith, believing He has heard my cries and knowing He will answer (His way with His timing), is just the beginning. If I truly want to be transformed and conformed to Jesus, I must ask myself some tough questions.
Read Psalms 6:1-10
- When I am sick, in pain, in fear or in distress do I cry out to the One who can make me whole, better than before?
- Do I give Him thanks before seeing Him move?
- What part of me needs to be burned up during this trial?
- What new growth in me needs to be planted and cultivated?
- Do I ask God for a plan for the watering of that new growth?
- Do I stand, in faith, knowing He has heard my cries, with victory?
Only You, Lord, carry the power to heal and make whole – body, soul and spirit. I will cry out to You standing firm that You hear and receive my prayers, and giving You thanks for victory while still in the fire. Help me to see those things that need to be burned up and also see those things that need to be planted. Give me the plan for the watering and cultivation of the new me. Thank you, Lord, that You deliver me even when I am the source of my troubles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.