APPROVED BY GOD

“On the contrary we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” 1 Thes 2:4

A little verse but with some deep meaning that we can miss.

Again Rick Renner helps to bring out some real gems.

The word approved by God is a word that describes and means to test, to examine to inspect, to scrutinize to determine the quality or sincerity of a thing. It was used to describe the picture of refining metal by fire to get rid of all the impurities. It was placed in a furnace 3 times each one hotter than the other so no impurities were left. God wants to use us but we all have to go through a refining process before God can really trust us with what he want to give us. We forget that after Paul was dramatically converted on the way to Damascus to arrest and persecute believer he disappeared for about 14 years before Barnabas went and got him and brought him to the Apostles in Jerusalem. There is no record of what Paul was doing but we can guess God was preparing Him through fire for the ministry he had for Him that shook the Roman Empire. It’s always God pattern through scripture. Moses 40 years in the wilderness. David been chased by Saul for over 14 years in the wilderness. Joseph spent about 7 or 8 years in an Egyptian prison. So don’t get in a hurry and think God has forgotten you. No he’s just preparing you and he uses all your present circumstances to prepare you for promotion one day approved by Him.