"When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."
Job 23:10
Job's faith was severely tested. He experienced the death of his children, the loss of his wealth and health. Life had made an abrupt change. Most of us will not be tested as severely as Job. Nevertheless, when we are tested, we can learn from the experience of Job.
During the test of Job's faith, he was judged by Eliphaz. It was bad enough to go through the hard circumstances of life, but Job experienced the harsh words of a friend judging him. Eliphaz believed that the bad things happening to Job were the result of sin. He believed God was judging and correcting Job (Job 22:4-10). Job knew that God, not Eliphaz, was his judge.
Job had a strong faith through the test. He declared his faith. "When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." Job knew that the precious metal gold had to go through a refining process. Now, God was refining him through it all. The test would not destroy his faith. Like gold, it would be used to refine his faith.
The apostle Peter used the illustration of refining gold as a lesson for Christians. "Your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire" (1 Peter 1:7). When our faith is tested, we can trust in God to see us through the dark night of the soul. "You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11).
The apostle Peter used the illustration of refining gold as a lesson for Christians. "Your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire" (1 Peter 1:7). When our faith is tested, we can trust in God to see us through the dark night of the soul. "You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11).
Father, when we are tested, refine us like gold, that we may stand by faith through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
