5 steps to pass the tests of life

One of my favorite shows on cable TV right now is How it's made on the Science Channel. I was watching the show the other day and the host was explaining the process of how the Cutco Cutlery Company tempers the steel to make kitchen knives strong, flexible, and extremely sharp. The tempering process for these knives involves placing the steel under extreme temperature conditions.

First, the steel blanks are placed in a 2,ooo degree oven. Second, they are placed in a cryogenic deep freeze of -150 degrees. And finally, they are placed in a lower heat oven of 345 degrees. You can check out Cutco's own video of the tempering process here.

You know, the trials of life are similar to the tempering process for steel. If we allow the Lord to use these trials in our life to temper us, to strengthen our walk with Him, we will mature and grow in our walk with Christ.

When trials and problems arise in our lives, we need to do the following:

1. consider ourselves worthy to be tested by God. "Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men." - Seneca
   
2. focus on perseverance.
3. ask God for wisdom.
4. have faith in God to carry us through.
5. look forward to receiving the crown of life!
   

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:2-12)