RE: Thoughts for the day - 3/2/18
One of the petitions we ask for in the Lord's Prayer is for Him not to lead us into temptation. I was stirred by your reflection:
Will I come forth as gold, even though I have not known the kiln?
No one knows why God gives us different levels of temptations. But what I can say is God already knows the depths of our faith. It is us who do not. So he gives us these tests so we may realize how deep (or shallow) our faith is. And if we overcome these tests we come out stronger in our faith and know we are on the right path to perfection.
As to your question about not having known the kiln, I read in the comment of @alzamna above:
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (Corinthian 10 : 13)
Be thankful then that the Lord sees it fit not to lead you straight to the kiln. Perhaps He knows you know the depth of your faith and He sees no need to remind you of it.
Thank you Gems for this very thoughtful and deep reply.
To be honest, I have had many "difficult" times and a very difficult early life. I have suffered many loses, hurricanes, tornadoes that killed all my livestock, complete financial reboots, loss of my home. Yet I do not count any of these things as intolerable, they brought me to Him.
Yet, I now see my life so blessed by His presence, I wonder did I ever know the kiln? These were not losses at all, I gained everything.
Be blessed this evening by the creator of all that is!
You have in fact been tested and have come forth as gold. You are blessed @bycoleman.
Yes, I know I am so utterly blessed and I spent half my life in total opposition to Him and He was always there.
That is Love!
And Gems, you know full well this truth as His blessings rain upon you daily as well!
And like water brought by this rain, His blessings are so abundant and essential yet ever so humble.