There is Mercy in the Trial

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Numbers 30-31

Feel like you’re going through the fire? Take heart! God uses all things for our benefit. We see in Numbers 30 and 31, God used fire to purify and sanctify anything that was brought into Israel’s camp.

Remember, everything in the Old Testament is a picture and has a New Testament counterpart…you see, we were once outsiders – but God redeemed us and brought us into His family through Jesus’ blood.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

Just like the gold and silver in today’s reading, God is cleaning us up (sanctification), giving us new life, getting rid of germs and filth that would otherwise hurt us if left un-kept.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

But even here God’s overwhelming mercy and loving-kindness is revealed. “…And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through the water.” (Numbers 31:23) God knows we are frail and protects us and shelters us from heat and trials that would otherwise consume us (1 Cor 10:13). God’s intent is never to “burn” His children, but to nurture and raise them to be a healthy, holy people. “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18

So if you are in the middle of a fiery trial, let it burn away what needs to be cleansed. If things aren't heating up, dive into the refreshing water of His Word and let it sanctify your heart and mind.

…Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word Ephesians 5:25-26