The water that overtook our land is slowly starting to recede. We watched it come up, hoping it didn’t breach our house. We are grateful that we are still dry. However, we can see those around us who didn’t escape this trial without water intrusion or wind damage. Our hearts go out to those who feel that they have lost everything. Is this a testing of faith? You bet it is! Will you come out as pure gold or be like the dross that burned away during your refinement? When gold is refined and the impurities burned away, though it seems like some of the volume is lost, what you are left with is more pure and essentially more valuable. Will your focus be on the dross that is gone or the beautiful gold? Will you be a 24-karat Christian or a 10-karat Christian? God knows what He’s doing, so change your focus to refined faith. Ultimately, He has the perfect plan for your life; what you lost may not be part of it as you go forward. Praise and worship Him whether in the valley or on the mountaintop! God deserves every ounce of praise and more!
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7