Israel’s attitude was hard-hearted and callous. They couldn’t see it for the darkness that covered it. “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy your whole body is filled with darkness.” Our attitude is the framework of how we see ourselves, others and the world around us. This is why it is crucial that we examine it and safeguard it.
There wasn’t anything in Israel’s actions and attitudes to compel God to love and to save them. But He did but for His own sake. Isaiah wrote, “For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely.”
God was angry and so frustrated with Israel. Their terse attitude and carelessness for the things of God was inconceivable. God does not save us because we are good! Absolutely not, He saves us because of His love and because of his forgiving nature. It’s that simple, and still we cannot fully comprehend it.
Isaiah continued to write, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.”
God does for us to show who he is and what he can do. He is an amazing God, and as much as we fail him, he still cares, he still loves and he still yearns for our relationship with him.
Don’t you find it easy to complain when we struggle in life; that is, when we go through complicated problems and strife? Think about this, why would God allow such experiences to occur in our life? It’s part of the refining process. He tests us through the “furnace of affliction.”
But instead of complaining and whining, change the total attitude. See it with your frame of reference, your eyes and turn to God by faith. Ask him for the strength to withstand and rejoice with thanksgiving. It’s not painless, but we can do it!
It is transformational knowing that our affliction is a test of faith and in the end, we become better and stronger for it. We are refined and more pure in Christ! Oh, but we are so blessed!
ritasalomon 