I used to think that after the trial, there would be an earthly reward.  After the furnace, I would walk into a throne room.  Now I see it differently.

Our stories on earth are not all going to be like Joseph or David.  There is no promise of earthly glory after the trial.  Indeed, we will go through a lifetime of suffering, however, I see a different purpose for the fire which is to lay a foundation on which God can build on.

Using myself as an example, I felt the Holy Spirit come upon me eighteen years ago and since that time, I’ve experienced many trials in walking with Christ which are too many to list.  I’ve fallen on countless occasions and fell into an almost ten-year struggle with serious sin.  I looked like I was doing well, but internally I was a wreck.  It wasn’t until conviction hit my heart (which I would describe as sheer terror) that I began to slowly climb out of the rubble which was my life. 

I now see that the purpose of the hardships for the first eighteen years of being a Christian was to lay a foundation so that I have something to build upon.  It took eighteen years for me to be completely destroyed and to learn who I really am.  Looking at it this way has been very freeing. 

 I don’t know about you, but for me, I am greatly encouraged by this because it shows how not in a rush God is with our lives.  Instead of an earthly reward, I’ve gained a foundation for which to start all over.  With that, I’d like to encourage you. 

Waiting and going through trials is difficult to say the least.  I do believe that God needs to do a work of destruction prior to building us back up.  I’m not sure where you are in your walk or what you are facing, but I hope this encourages someone.

“By your endurance, you will gain life.”-Luke 21:19