What Say Others About You?

The times of life where we feel the heat being turned up on us are used by the Lord to improve or refine our character.  The heat causes impurities to rise to the top so we can notice them and deal with them.  Anger, lack of self-control, and jealousy, are a few examples of attributes that can remain hidden until triggered by certain people, places, or things.  They have to be dealt with by asking for God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of others when recognized and confessed.  The result is that we become more usable by God and more of a blessing to others as we have victory and pass on to them what God has done within us.  When we bless others and do good to them no matter how they treat us, people speak positive of us and give God glory.  "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him."  Proverbs 27:21 
Lord, help us not to get discouraged when we go through times of pressure and difficulties.  You are using them to purify us and to make us more like You.  We want your character to be evident in our lives.  Burn out anything that is not of You and help us see difficulties as opportunities for growth.  Help us use the story of what You are doing in our lives to bless and encourage others.  In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Turn up the heat, Lord.  (And we wouldn't mind the heat temperature either :)  Stay warm, Church Chicks!