December 27 - Purged To Be More Fruitful.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
 
As this crazy and chaotic year draws to an end, may it cause us to dwell on the fact that although most of this year did not go as we had planned, nothing was a surprise to the Lord. 
 
He allowed every situation, and has given us unique opportunities to use for His glory.
 
Romans 8:18
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
 
Sometimes He has to purge away some things in order to make us more fruitful.
Amidst all the uncertainties and trials of this year, the Lord has given us more fruit.
 
John 15:2
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
 
Anything that makes us more fruitful is a blessing from Him.
 
1 Peter 5:10
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
 
Regardless of what this year has brought your way, choose to allow it to enable you to be more fruitful and bring glory to Him.
 
The choice is up to each of us. 
We can hide in fear or press forward in faith.
 
He is in control.
He knows best. 
 
Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
 
Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
 
Trust Him today, and allow Him to make you fruitful for His glory.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Zechariah 1-3   |    Psalm 146