Gold

Yesterday my little boy's kindergarten class took a field trip to a local farm. While there each child got to pan for gold! I wish you could have seen their sweet faces as they begin to sift through all the dirt and muck to see a sparkle...could it be? GOLD! With eyes wide with wonder they would sift and wash away the dirt to expose their perfect treasure.
I couldn't help but think of Job 23:10. " But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
It was a reminder....first, HE knows the way I take, second, the word "when" shows me there WILL be test. Last, that each day, each trial, every test is refining, shaping us. With each one God is gently sifting the dirt and muck away. It is the refining of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. We must do our best to live a life that even through testing and trials we come forth in the end like gold...like Job.
 He went into the gates of suffering an innocent man, he came out the same. His character lost nothing of its value.
God loves you way to much to leave us in our sinful state. He wants to be Lord of your life, King of your heart. Stand strong, sisters...so you can come forth as GOLD!