God's Image Reflected in Those Who Come Through the Fire

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
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Springfield, Illinois, September 10, 1898.
My dear
... Those to whom Peter wrote were not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial that was to try them, as though some strange thing happened to them. God could have kept them out of it, but He saw it best they should go through it. And it seems so still. If it is not trial in one way, it is in another — if not by persecution, in circumstances, or in body, or in both. But He brings blessing out of it, and causes His own image to be reflected in those who come through the fire. How precious are the Lord’s words to Jacob and Israel in Isaiah 43:1-21But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:1‑2): “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name (Jacob the supplanter becomes a prince with God); thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”! If the Lord’s care for His earthly people be such, how much more will God care for His children, the trial of whose faith is much more precious than of gold though it be tried in the fire. But the results will be seen fully only at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the trial will then be found to be unto “praise and honor and glory.” Sustained now by the “power of God through faith,” we wait in faith for the results of His work. For myself I am constantly made to feel the need of being kept lowly and in the sense of my own nothingness. And yet the pressure sometimes seems heavy. But I suppose it would be useless if we did not feel it, as in the case of a child that has been chastened saying, “It did not hurt.” Pride and self-will are still unbroken. Well, I am sure it is good if we can trust ourselves thoroughly in His hand.... Poor Jeremiah felt the way in which he was treated by Israel, and complained to the Lord, “Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? Wilt Thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?” But the Lord did not fail him. Compare Jeremiah 15 and 40. And He will not fail us.... the Lord has made you a “polished shaft,” and He still goes on with His work, and the results will be according to His bright designs. Therefore, do not be discouraged. Let us seek together to go on with His service ‘till He comes. It will not be long. But if He tarry a little, the results of your faithfulness will be seen...