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Post by elizabeth on Feb 4, 2014 19:50:01 GMT
"Afflictions are in the hands of the Holy Spirit to effect the softening of the heart in order to receive heavenly impression. Job said, 'God maketh my heart soft' (Job 23:16). As the wax in its natural hard state cannot take the impress of the signet, and needs to be melted to render it susceptible, so the believer is by trials prepared to receive, and made to bear, the divine likeness."
"Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving'' (Colossians 2:7). The above quote, before the bible verse, was from the Hungry Heart devotional, by Miles Stanford. I thought this was a good analogy and the author of the quote is unknown.
Pembroke Bible Chapel Jan 3
Elizabeth
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Becka
Numbers' Donkey
Spurgeon Addict
Posts: 169 
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Post by Becka on Feb 4, 2014 20:09:57 GMT
Love it. Afflictions not only soften our hearts, they also refine the perseverance of our faith. This is one of those "backwards logics" of God I realized once. Everyone cries out, "Where is God?" during the hard times. Often they lose their faith or question the integrity of God. But what they don't realize that the affliction is a GOOD thing, because the end result is a heart that resembles Yeshua and a faith refined as pure gold. Praise the Lord!
~~Becka
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Post by elizabeth on Feb 4, 2014 20:31:12 GMT
Excellent point Becka, that is so true.
When it comes to trials and afflictions, 'backwards logic' really enters in. I feel more loved because of the trials I have suffered. I don't understand why, but there it is.
Elizabeth
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Post by morningstar on Feb 4, 2014 21:09:23 GMT
That is so true...there is that piece of scripture about having Joy in Trials -1 Peter 4:12,13 ...years ago I couldn't understand this.. I thought how can you have Joy during trials? Until I went through those fiery trials which are the ongoing making of my spiritual character & understanding of the ONE who is the Potter. Trials hurt, are Painful and can be overwhelming to the point where you look all around for an exit and there are none until you look up. You may still be in the fire but His Word is like fresh cool water to your soul...this is the Joy you feel midst the trials, the comfort in knowing He is there throughout it all.
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Post by elizabeth on Feb 5, 2014 1:28:37 GMT
Thank you Morningstar, what you've written is so true.
I love discussing faith with my siblings, especially when we are discussing inarticulate things, like faith, and feelings. I learn listening to others. I so, appreciate this board.
Elizabeth
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