When my mother was widowed with seven daughters to raise, her only option was to discipline and reprimand us when we did wrong. She carried it out in such a way that the end result was we became “women who fear God and do good.” In those times, when I was still very young, that discipline seemed very painful to me (especially having lost my father). Very early in life, I understood, though, that it was what we needed and that everything was always done out of love.

We also feel pain when the Lord corrects us for disobeying Him. Although we do not want to face the consequences of our actions, it is necessary and done out of His great love for us. It’s part of growing up as a child of God.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all (Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV).

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 that we must renew our understanding to know the will of God, which is good, acceptable and perfect. How then do we think we can be renewed without being cleansed? How are we going to know the will of God for our lives if we have not yet been purified, molded and prepared for a new life of faith?  

Let’s start from this point: God loves you—and loves you just the way you are. You were created by Him in His image and likeness. To be used for His glory, you need that purification process, because there will always be areas in your life in which the Lord is working.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will have not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure (1 John 3:3). 

Since the first day that God called me to serve Him at CBN Guatemala, several years ago, I have experienced test after test, process after process, and correction after correction in a deep purification process. Although there has been no reprieve and I have experienced much tribulation in my life, I want to share with you my personal and ministerial recommendations to help you face your purification process. Know and apply these four things:

1. God the Father loves you (see John 3:16).
2. Be thankful for the process, for you are being turned into a better version of you (see James 1:12). 
3. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and learn to be quiet and listen. He is always speaking into your life (see Proverbs 8:32-34). 
4. Pray without ceasing and ask for discernment to understand what God is doing (see John 10:27). 

All of us in the CBN Guatemala office are encountering major difficulties. We recognize that we are going through a time of personal and ministerial growth as the body of Christ. The Lord has glorified Himself and blessed us to the fullest while we are going through these trials—so much so that we will not have enough life to thank Him for His favor. We’ve seen transformed lives and families, miracles of healing, provision, and restoration, among many other blessings happening in the lives of those we respond to as a ministry.

So, the next time you ask yourself, “Why me?” I encourage you to fill yourself with joy and enthusiasm—because your life will be changed by the love and mercy of God.  

Though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:7 NLT).

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.