Proverbs 17:3

"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts."
Proverbs 17:3


It's interesting that we seem to forget what life is about sometimes... forget that it is a test and a proving ground.  When things go badly, or get difficult, we start asking ourselves why God would treat us this way, or we start doubting him altogether.  We seem to want to avoid the very reason that we are on the earth.  I think this happens even more often when our current trial crosses some imaginary line we have set... as though we could pick and choose what sort of trials to accept, and which not to.  As long as God tests us physically, for instance, we're okay... but as soon as he starts testing us socially, we become resentful.  For other individuals it could be the spiritual tests that cross the line, or the psychological.  Whatever it is that we protect at all costs... whatever lies at our heart... the Lord will try it.  We can't afford to be dedicated to the Lord in some areas and not in others... we can't afford to have holes in our belief, or our faith.  It's like Achilles' heel... and if we don't learn to strengthen even our weakest areas, we will fall.  God doesn't try our hearts to hurt us... he does it to make us stronger, and more confident in ourselves.  We must allow ourselves to change and grow.  Even when it is painful.