When We’re Crushed

 

“We were created for God’s pleasure. In these closing moments of this age, the Lord will have a people whose purpose for living is to please God with their lives. In them, God finds His own reward for creating man. They are His worshipers. They are on earth only to please God, and when He is pleased, they also are pleased. The Lord takes them farther and through more pain and conflicts than other men.”

Outwardly, they often seem “smitten of God, and afflicted,” yet to God, they are His beloved. When they are crushed, like the petals of a flower, they exude a worship, the fragrance of which is so beautiful and rare that angels weep in quiet awe at their surrender. They are the Lord’s purpose for creation.” 

 Francis Frangipane

At times I wish God could tattoo this vital truth on my forehead. It holds much for the seeking believer to understand (actually ‘do’ is better). I zeroed in on four keywords from Mr. Frangipane’s comments:

• crushing
• worship
• fragrance
• surrender

Crushed worship brings such a sweet obedience that can endure much. And there is a fragrant surrender that can be detected and distinguished by anyone who has a truthful heart. These become the eventual keys that will unlock any kingdom ‘lock.’

God is looking for believers who understand how to massage grace into sin hardened hearts. And that will take plenty of personal surrender.

A change in metaphor perhaps but not of intent.

“He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.
        He will purify the Levites
            and refine them like gold and silver.
            They will belong to the Lord,
                presenting a righteous offering.” 

Malachi 3:3, CEB

All of God’s children are ‘flamed broiled.” But it’s always done with a loving hand, and the flame is not a degree hotter than necessary. God never intends harm or unnecessary pain. He stands by to bring each person through issues that will destroy us if left untouched.

“Purity and Prayer” was the personal mandate given to me in my Bible school days. That still is my call. The above verse from Malachi is not meant for certain special people. A true life is available to all who ask for it.

Lord Jesus, you embraced your cross to redeem the world. Help me to embrace the crosses in my life — the hardships, struggles, disappointments, pain. Only by recognizing my own weakness, can I discover your strength.   

Author Unknown

Oh, the artwork hand isn’t God’s hand, rather, it is the world system that presses on us.