Steel is made by going through fire.............

We say it quite often in sports to motivate our teams. "You can't make steel without going through fire." In other words, if you're going to be good, or great, you have to work hard, overcome your weaknesses, improve upon your strengths and stay with it. Another one we toss about is, "that which does not kill us, makes us stronger."

We know that GOD wastes no experience in our lives. In Romans 8:28, the bible says, "And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love GOD..."

In the case of Job, no one lost more or whose faith was tested more. GOD used Job to show the devil just how strong Job's faith was. Job, one of the wealthiest men in the bible lost it all, his family, his home, his land, his livestock etc. etc. Yet he continued to praise the name of GOD.

Others in the bible were used, Moses, Joseph, Peter are some examples. All went through hardship as GOD used their life to HIS glory.

Are you committed to having GOD use your life? I ask this question because GOD oftentimes "breaks us" and strips us of our lives as he uses us to HIS glory. He may put you through an experience so difficult that the only person you can rely on is HIM. As you and I pray to have God use our lives we need to know that HE may place us in the midst of storms we can't imagine. We should count it a joy, when trials come our way. For trials test our faith and produce patience. (James 1:2-3).

We all want the product at the end, maybe it's the championship for "your team." We can only get there by "going through" and "overcoming" the tests, challenges and bumps along the way. You can't win the prize ultimately without going through the process.

GOD will test our lives, only because HE loves us, and wants us to live a life that's pleasing to HIM. He makes us steel by sending us through fire. Consider it the ultimate blessing to have GOD use your life.