Refining Moment

My husband and I each have very specific roles when it comes to our finances: He makes the money. I spend the money. It's so nice that we both go out of our way to do our part. And may I add that I am very good at what I do.

Through the years, I think I've actually refined the spending process. I have it down to an art. I can eyeball a treasure, swoop it off the store shelf and swipe my debit card all in one smooth movement. I'm pretty sure I've got it honed down to a two-second swoop and swipe. It pays to refine.

But I while call it an "art," my husband may very well have another name for it. Oh well, you know what they say. "One person's art is another person's myocardial infarction." It's all in how you look at things.
It's very similar with the troubles we experience in life. We can see a difficult setback as a crushing defeat and the absence of God working, or we can see it as part of a refining process He wants to use in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ. 1 Peter 4:12-14 in The Message says, "Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner."

If you're in the midst of an overwhelming "refining process" right now, hang on. There's hope- hope of glory just around the corner. 2 Corinthians 4:17 tells us that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (NIV). Let your troubles inspire you to become more like Jesus, who suffered with great grace. Let them refine you. After all, it really does pay to refine.

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Rhonda Rhea writes for dozens of Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her newest books, "Soup for the Soul-Tastes Just Like Chicken", and "Amusing Grace", at your local Christian bookstore. "Who Put the Cat in the Fridge-Serving Up Hope and Hilarity Family Style", will be available in March. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site at: www.rhondarhea.net.