18th January
EVENING CONTEMPLATION
TOPIC: AFFLICTIONS AND OUR DROSS
TEXT: JOB 23:10
''But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold''
When adversity comes to a saint, the only thing it takes away from him, is his dross and chaff; adversity leaves a believer sweeter, brighter, purer and wiser. We have many dirts, wax, chaff and pollutions hanging on us: the best of saints living, has one dross or chaff that sticks to him every where he goes. God would have a church without spot nor wrinkle: hence, He would be found ever trying the graces and sincerity of His saints' faith by trials and adversity. In our day-to-day common and necessary contacts with the world, we lie open to cotract stains and pick up worldly dust which can only be purged by trials. God, in all ages past, has engaged trials and afflictions to purify His saints; adversities have been used by Him to remove husk and chaff from His choice grains; He hits His saints against the walls to make them run faster into His bosom: a ball hit on the floor, ascends high to the heaven. In order to make His saints perfect and entire, wanting nothing, He allows them to fall into divers temptations and trials. When pride engulfs us because of our gifts and grace; and vain glory swoon upon our hearts, He throws clogs and wax on the wheel of our graces and gifts, so as to humble us. The trying of the saints faith works grace in them; so, we are bound to count it all joy when we fall into adverdity. O saints! you lose nothing by trial save your dross and chaff. God would have pure gold of us, He would have pure grains of wheat: therefore, fire of affliction would try His gold; threshing instrument would come on His wheat to separate the wheat from the chaff. No saint can grow or glow without some heavy blows on his faith. Oh! brothers and sisters, submits yourselves under the mighty hand of God for a constant pruning. He hit it that says: 'Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.' (James 1:2-4) LBT
_________________
Ojoje Adeyi
|
