James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When difficulty or opposition happens in life, how do you respond? Yes, there are several emotions we need to deal with and process through. Processing our feelings is an important practice and an opportunity to strengthen our emotional health. Yet there is another opportunity when we face trials, struggles, difficulties, oppositions, or adversities. It is to let those times refine us.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when they has stood the test the will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
When metal is strengthened, it is put under fine. That heat not only draws out the impurities, but the molecular structure is altered and become harder, stronger. When I was in metal shop in high school, I was taught how to harden steel. You put it under tremendous heat until this blue hue begins to show. At that point, it’s at its peak of strength. Also, with precious metals like gold and silver, heat is used to purify the metal. For us, we have a choice as the heat of opposition comes to us. We can let it move us to some self-reflection or let it define us.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
In relationships where the heat of conflict and opposition keeps happening, it is good to consider why, and maybe how we are contributing to the issues? In work situations where the intensity of struggles with fellow colleagues happen, it is good to consider how our demeanor or actions may contribute. It’s good look inward and humbly reflect on our own actions and character. Maybe we are being a bit too self-focused, not as diligent as we should, too judgmental, not as kind, not as caring. If we just blame or treat others as we have been treated, we are letting that opposition define us.
1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
In our times of struggle God says He will be with us.
1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I (God) will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
Yes, life would be great without any difficulties or opposition, and one day God will deal with all that causes pain (see Revelation 21:4), but for now there will be trials, difficulties, losses, hardships, struggles, and the horrible fires of opposition. In this we have a choice: why not let opposition refine and not define. What will you choose?
Church can be a place to learn and practice sacrifice. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to be refined by opposition along with you,
Messages From Mike 
