Tried

             But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. (Job 23:10-11)

Some people would read this with an emphasis on I and my, and that’s certainly a possibility. However, when I read it, especially when I read it as my own statement, I put the emphasis on he and his. This is especially the case at the moment, when I fall asleep at night thanking God for the wonderful day I’ve had but begging Him to cause me to love Him, trust Him, and walk in accordance with His will.

On the one hand, the fact that I desire these things shows that He’s been at work. On the other hand, the fact that I feel the need to beg means that I don’t quite trust that He’ll do it unless I keep Him on the job. He must not be doing a very good job if I’m still this wretched. Of course, that belief on my part comes from years of listening to lies. And that’s what makes this a Battle Bible verse.

So often, we’re given the impression that when one becomes a Christian, one is perfect, and everything goes smoothly for the rest of our lives. But that is not the promise, or the process God uses. We are chosen. We are tried – meaning we go through hard times. As a result, we are purified. In the end, we come forth as gold. And right now, I suspect I have a long, long way to go - but that's part of being tried and purified.