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Beatitudes - Part 8

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

In Yellowstone National Park there is a tree called a Lodgepole Pine. Its cones can hang on for years before falling off. Even then they remain tightly closed. They open only when they are in contact with intense heat. Whenever forest fires are raging and all the trees are being destroyed, the heat opens these particular pine cones. That way they are the first to assist nature in repopulating the forest. How is that for divine wisdom? Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness." Why? Because there is potential in you that is only released when 'the heat is on'. Job discovered this truth when God permitted Satan to test him. He lost everything, including his seven sons. To add insult to injury, he was forced to endure the scorn of his wife and friends because of his unwavering faith. Finally Job said, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You" (Job 42:5). It is one thing to hear how God works based on somebody else's testimony; it is another to see it firsthand when you are wondering, "What did I do to deserve this?" Or asking, "If God's really there, why am I here?" Why? a) Because in the fire you discover new aspects of God's care and character b) what turns worthless carbon into diamonds? Heat! Pressure! c) in the fire you discover that when others abandon you, God remains faithful.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for putting me through "the heat" of life. Help me learn and grow through these times. In Jesus' Name, Amen