Sanctification: Visiting a Dermatologist or Oncologist?
I wonder if we really understand what we are praying for when we ask God to sanctify and purify us, to make us more like Christ? I think that many times we are thinking in terms of minor changes, not unlike visiting the dermatologist and having something scraped, dried, frozen or maybe even cut off. Just dealing with surface problems. In reality, our sanctification goes to the very center of our being, treating heart issues, like going to an oncologist or cardiologist, and being treated in the very center of our being. God uses fiery trials to drive the impurities from us, thereby conforming us to the Lord Jesus Christ. Adapted from "Bring on the Fiery Trials".
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The Purpose of Trials- like being on a ship.
God has some very helpful purposes for trials in the lives of Christians. Romans 5:3ff and James 1:2-4, point out that they are for our being made complete, in Christ. This is seen by what we cling to through life. It is like standing on a ship in calm waters…you will walk around, completely at ease, just as if you were on dry land. But when the strorms of life come, the seas get rough and one hangs on to a rail or something solid, to stay upright. God’s purpose is for us to hang on to Christ, and not let go! Adapted from, "Bring on the Fiery Trials".