Transformed and Refined

In early February, before COVID-19 became the hot topic, our southern pastor started a sermon series on James titled “Keeping It Real”. I wrote down a quote that he used as we studied the first few verses of James 1. Pastor Matt said, “Don’t let the trial define you; let it refine you.”

The World on High Alert

Little did he know at the time that, collectively, the world would soon be facing a trial too big to wrap our minds around. I can’t think of anyone who is immune from this trial. There are the grieving loved ones of the victims, those still fighting, those trying to stop the spread of the virus, and those putting their lives at risk to care for the previous two groups of people. You may even find yourself in more than one of those groups. Then there’s the economic impact of shutting down schools and businesses and staying home to flatten the curve. Again, is there anyone who has been spared this trial? Certainly, the impact of this global pandemic is felt at varying degrees, but it is felt by all in one way, shape or form.

Transformed

I have told more than one person in my circle of influence that I believe we will come out on the other side of this transformed. That is my prayer anyhow! Did you know that God is in the transformation business?

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

That’s transformation at its best! It’s an instantaneous change that results from a decision to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives.

Our Purpose in a Nutshell

It took me far too long to figure out my purpose in life. I believe I told you somewhere along the way that I am a slow learner. I’m here to bring God glory. Guess what? That’s why you’re here too! I can just hear Pastor Dave saying, “It’s simple, but it ain’t easy!” How I carry that out varies on a daily basis, but I can tell you that it involves obedience. My level of success in glorifying God also varies on a daily basis. Sometimes I flat out crash and burn. Did I mention it involves obedience??

The Refining Process

We’re all a work in progress. My goal is to look more like Jesus today than I did yesterday. But, I certainly can’t do that on my own! If, and when, we accept Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s like having a personal guidance counselor living inside us 24/7.

“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT

I liken this to being refined. Transformation is more of a sudden, dramatic change. To refine is to improve something by making small changes. Guess what? God is in the refining business too!

The Israelites can vouch for that. They were God’s chosen people, yet they repeatedly turned against God. They would cry out to Him; God would deliver them; the Israelites would praise Him; and then eventually they would turn their backs on Him. Rinse. Repeat. Through it all, though, God said there still remained a righteous remnant that held firm in their trust and continued to follow Him. He would not turn His back on them. This is the group that is referred to in the following passage:

“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

Zechariah 13:9 NLT

Trouble Comes With Purpose

God often uses our difficult circumstances to refine us and make us look more like Jesus. No circumstance is wasted.

“My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. And you must allow this strength to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.”

James 1:2-4 NIRV

I don’t know about you, but I don’t find myself jumping for joy when trouble finds me. James isn’t suggesting that we do. What should warm our hearts, though, is knowing that He will use it for good. God looks at our difficulties as an opportunity to mold and shape us into His image. May we all come out on the other side of our trials looking more like Jesus!

“Don’t let the trial define you; let it refine you.”

-Pastor Matt Hill, Bell Shoals Baptist Church-Apollo Beach Campus