Author Paul Tripp shared in one of his devotional books, “God is not so much interested in our happiness as he is in our holiness.” 

When interruptions happen in our lives we don’t understand, it’s not there because God is trying to punish us. That punishment has already been accomplished upon the Cross. Because we are his children, he will discipline us and allow experiences to enter our lives to conform our character to the image of Christ. 

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ … And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” - 1 Peter 1: 6-7, 5:10

When you reflect upon the experiences in your life, you’ll notice your life was enhanced and enlightened by your afflictions. Happiness isn’t the objective, holiness is!

When God is about to make preeminent use of a man, he puts him through the fire. A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It must go through the heat of the furnace to become porcelain. 

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” -  2 Timothy 2:21

You are a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful for the master. Walk in his holiness.

Written by John Bender, chaplain for Buckner Parkway Place, a Buckner senior living community in Houston, Texas.

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