Even though I know that God’s ultimate aim is to make me more like his Son; the process called sanctification is not easy. God knows me better than I know myself. Knowing that gives me confidence that he knows what it will take for me.

It’s just not easy. I would think that as long as I have been on this journey that I would almost be done; but obviously I am not.  I recognize that I am not because I still am anxious about what he is doing about some of the prayers I have laid before him.

Although, every now and then God gives me glimpses that he is answering my prayer, then it seems it slow to a screeching halt. So what do I do then? Do I still trust him?

Yes, because in my heart I believe God is working it out. The waiting period, though hard,  is specifically for me, more than it is for what I am praying about.

God still has much work to do in me. He needs to rid me of every thing that is not like him, be it pride, self-centeredness, self-righteousness, or hidden faults. For, who can understand his errors? Psalm 19:12

But do you know what gives me confidence that he knows what he’s doing? His Word!

But he knows the path I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job23:10 ESV

This verse tells me that God knows exactly how to get to me. He knows how to get my attention, how to show me, me. He knows what it will take to shape me. I could never, would never pick the tools, but he knows the right tool, the right pressure. Job said this while responding to one of his friends who accuses him that the reason that he is going through is because of his sin. But Job in his longing for God, simply takes comfort that God knows what he is doing.

God allows trials in our lives so that we look to him, depend on him, as he conforms us to his Son.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6,7 ESV

The Apostle Peter reminds the saints here that we have been made alive by Jesus Christ, and are being kept by his power through our faith in him. So we ought rejoice that he is refining our faith through our trials so that we might be ready when he appears. Sure, going through the fire is not comfortable at the time, but it is yielding results that cannot be obtained any other way. This testing, once we are on the other side of it, helps us to be even more grateful.

Another favorite scripture of mine while going through, or while waiting is one I have referenced before:

Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator. I Peter 4:19 KJV

I take great comfort from this verse because it reminds me that regardless of what’s going on, God hasn’t taken his eye off me or my situation. God is simply getting me ready.

In fact, this reminds me of a great video clip of Malachi 3:2b.

I hope that you this encouraging all who are going through the pruning process. Remember we shall come out as gold, and be ready for Jesus Christ’s appearing!