No Pain No Gain

I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago. Just between you and I, I hate going to the dentist! Maybe it is because growing up I had 6 teeth pulled (I was awake for all of them), braces, and a couple of cavities. All of these incidences have brought pain and some resentment about the dentist. Through all of that I now realize that even though there was pain and trouble, that it was all for a good purpose. 

Why do people work out? Who would want to experience being sore all the time, because they know it produces a stronger better them. There is an old saying that usually applies to working out and maybe even my dentist appointments, no pain no gain. To many times I think that we as humans want the gain without the pain and we are unwilling to go through the pain to get the gain.

The same is very true with God. We want the gain of spiritual growth and maturity but we are unwilling to go through the pain it takes to get there. What I am not saying is God delights putting us through pain, that is not true. He does want to see us grow closer to him and sometimes it may hurt just like going to the dentist to get a better smile or working out to get a better stronger body.

The great thing is that we have something called trust. Trust in God is found throughout all of scripture. We are not just throwing ourselves at God because we enjoy the pain. No rather we allow him to do what he needs to do because we trust that what he needs to do will produce a better us. Scripture sometimes describes this as a refining of gold in the fire. You see gold is not pure until it is put to the flame and the impurities are taken out. That is what God really needs to do for you to get you where he needs you to be.

So today when you go to the dentist, the gym, or even church remember no pain no gain. Our God is a wonderful God but sometimes we have to go through the refining fires in able to be the gold that he desires. It takes time and a willingness to trust in God. So allow God to begin to search your heart and take out the things that do not belong. You will know it does not belong because it will hurt, but remember to trust in God and he will refine you like gold.