“For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it... See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven… Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:10-11,25,28-29
Twenty-four hours apart, in the same climate and similar temperature, God’s array of artistry in the sky could not be more different. One day fire, the next feathers, compelling the astute observer to bow before the variety, beauty, and majesty of the Creator. Ever the same, yet vibrant and dynamic and alive, He implements an ever-changing palette, magenta to rosy blush, cerulean to milky pale, to illustrate the variety of ways He deals with His children. He takes care in each stroke and hue, each light ray or swirl, ordering every detail for eternal good and His glory.
God gets our attention, sometimes through fire, sometimes by feathers. Knowing His people have specific needs for and different responses to discipline, He also understands personalities, modes of communicating, and what is effective for each. God is personal in His interactions and sanctifying work. Some days He speaks boldly, others more softly. Sometimes He uses a plank, others a feather.
For us sojourners, some seasons are treacherous and challenging, forcing desperate dependence on Him, while others hum smoothly in peace and cooperation, almost lulling us into complacency and requiring determined commitment. The Lord wants our attention at all times to make us holy. Sometimes we are hard-headed, other times soft-hearted, and He determines His methods according to our receptiveness, malleability, and His particular intentions. He’s planted in each of us a will, in which He will ultimately have his way, and this Lover of our souls will shape our will as He pleases.
Is it our desire to be holy as He is holy? If so, how do we react to the refining pressure applied by this marvelous and many-faceted God? Do we resist the purifying heat He lovingly measures, or are we humbly willing to submit to burning but necessary rebuke? Are we sensitive enough to His voice to be quickened by the Spirit’s convicting whisper, or do we need a loud, even embarrassing, shout to correct our speech or decisions? (1 Peter 1:16)
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” ~R. Keen (1787)
Gratitude for God’s interest in us and the kingdom for which He’s preparing us helps us welcome His hand. The more we yield, the deeper our reverence, the higher our praise.
Father, use whatever means to make me like You, for You are worthy of my all.
As the rain and snow 