Refined and Molded Through Tests Lesson One
In the Bible there are many examples how God uses temptations, trials and tests in 0ur life to conform us to the image of His son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:29
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
One of my favorite examples is found in:
Deuteronomy 32:11-12a
Like an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions. So the Lord alone led him…
This is an illustration of how God trains us spiritually. The mother eagle builds her nest on the highest mountain peaks. She forms the nest from sticks and stones, then makes a comfortable ‘lining’ with feathers from her own breast. When it is time for the eagles to ‘learn to fly,’ she begins removing feathers and makes it uncomfortable to stay in the nest. God sometimes allows our circumstances to become increasingly uncomfortable to make us willing to grow and progress in His plan for us.
Learning to fly is frightening at first! The mother eagle begins with her baby on her back to acquaint him with flying, but, she soon abruptly dives, hurling her young in the air. The little bird struggles frantically and plummets toward the earth. At the last moment, the mother eagle swoops under her eaglet, breaking his fall, rescuing him as he lands again on her back. She repeats the process until the little bird discovers the thrill of flying and learns to take off on his own.
When we answer God’s call, we may be comfortable where we are, but adversities and trouble will come to cause us to grow in faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit within us.
Expect a PROCESS.
Psalm 73:23-25
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth