Furnace of Affliction

The fact that the LORD did not wait for us to come seeking him but instead came to us and drew us to him while we were still in sin is truly wonderful. He chose us not withstanding all the mess we were in and with all the afflictions. We are called the Chosen of the LORD. This is a title that conveys much more than mere selection. This speaks of an authentic separation and possessiveness that sets us apart from all else. This should bring to the believer a unique awareness, that assures, secures and comforts. It removes all fears and doubts and exudes confidence. It is this confidence that helps in the faith building process. Knowing that we have an inheritance guaranteed; we have hope. We who were once condemned to death have been redeemed.

The LORD did not wait for us to come out of our afflictions. He did not wait for us to come to Him, He came to us.  He did not wait for us to choose Him, He chose us; while we were incarcerated, in prostitution, in crimes, in drugs induced stupor, in the poisonous relationship, in a hate filled life, with every sin that so easily beset us. Maybe you were just at the point of giving up or you had already given up. You had done everything you could to anger God. Yes we made him angry and He should have destroyed us there. But for His name’s sake He deferred His anger, and for His praise He refrained for us; that he did not cut us off. He chose us right there in our Condemnation, in the Furnace of Affliction. It is right there that He started the process of refining, never leaving or forsaking us; promising to be with us always, even to the end of the world. He is with us in sickness, in persecution, in provocation, in temptation, in trials, in tribulation in life and in death. He whom we knew not came to be with us, to give us comfort, joy, peace and hope. What a joy. He chose us, right there: in the Furnace of Affliction.

Share the Love and be blesseed

W. Bennett