December 04, 2024
Daily Devotion:
"Embracing Trials for Purification"
Daniel 11:35
New International Version
35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
What God wanted Daniel and us to do is to keep on living faithfully, no matter what the world around us thinks of us or does to us. As the book of Daniel has shown, God is interested in how we are living our lives now. He is developing our character.
All of us have stumbled and messed things up countless times. However, we should consider these times to be
leading to our refinement and cleansing. God is able to bring good from our mistakes as our character grows. As we learn more of His limitless love, grace, and mercy, we are enabled to show them to others.
"Character doesn't just appear out of nowhere: it is the result of God's refining our lives through tribulation - and, yes, even suffering."
In the book of Daniel, God's people had suffered the loss of their homes, land, the temple, and even separation of family. Yet God used it to develop the character of His people so
that they would shine like stars bringing many to righteousness. How you live matters to God, whether you are living in a peaceful season or a challenging one.
If you have been faithless, allow God to challenge and encourage your heart. You are being refined, purified, and cleansed by God. Receive His forgiveness and allow your character and life to be transformed.
