“…When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10, NKJV)

One of my goals with this blog was to share my struggles, my testimony, and my quirks with vulnerability. Part of that process includes sharing my varied interests.

With that in mind, we’re taking a journey back in time to my high school chemistry days (needless to say, it was a very long time ago). So, it’s quite remarkable that I remember a few key topics. I loved stoichiometry but hated organic chemistry. Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, hydroxy acids, esters—a boring list. Come exam time, you had to draw them by hand—it was an awful and cumbersome process. My brain has archived the majority of this content. However, surprisingly, one particular experiment always fascinated me—the fractional distillation of crude oil. I think I appreciated the concept of applying a transformative process to raw material, which then resulted in organic natural resources that humanity depends upon.

How It Works

In a nutshell, this process can be applied to a variety of materials—it isn’t exclusive to crude oil. The raw material (crude oil) is repeatedly purified and refined through exposure to varying temperatures. Essentially, the substances are separated by boiling point, then cooled. As they condense, they are collected. Each sample is a different natural resource—ones we are all familiar with, such as premium high-octane fuel, bitumen, diesel, and natural gas. One of the most well-known byproducts? Petroleum jelly.

You’re probably wondering, “Hazel, where are we going with an organic chemistry lesson?” I’m sure you’ll agree that our Christian journey is a continuous process of refinement and purification. The Lord allows valley experiences, achievements, peaks, various trials, seasons of waiting—a myriad of experiences—as a way of fractionally distilling our faith. After each trial, we produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and as we grow in spiritual maturity, the byproducts of our faith are used to encourage others and ultimately bring Him glory.

Au – 24 Karats

When I think about sanctification and refinement, Job is the first Bible character who comes to mind. The story of Job—the man who was infinitely blessed and then tested in a manner that is incomprehensible.

He had everything, and in a flash, it was all taken away. Yet, he never wavered in his faith or love for the Lord. Even his wife said to him, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9, NKJV), but he rebuked her.

There are many lessons we can learn from Job, but here are two of my favorites:

1. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is a choice. Choosing joy regardless of our circumstances is a hallmark of the Christian faith. Even in suffering, we are called to trust that God’s strength sustains us and that our joy in Him isn’t dependent on what we’re going through.
   
2. Our faith posture or mindset in the midst of trials. Job admirably says, “…When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10, NKJV). He truly set the gold standard (pun intended) when it comes to our attitude while we suffer. Job viewed his trials as the ultimate test of sanctification in his walk with the Lord. We are not promised an easy life as the children of God. What we are promised is His grace and strength: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). Walking in obedience through trials refines us, just as gold is purified through fire and crude oil is refined through fractional distillation.

Organic Faith Byproducts

Each of the different resources produced during fractional distillation serves a unique purpose. Petroleum jelly has healing properties, natural gas is used for domestic and commercial cooking, and diesel fuels cars and trucks, among other uses. We can think of each product as a different type of fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22–23 lists them as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as diesel and natural gas are separated by boiling points, our faith and walk with the Lord produce various spiritual fruits in different seasons. Each part of our journey has a different purpose. It’s important to reflect on the process, and when we ask the Lord to use us, we must be ready. Remember, He calls us first and then equips us (Romans 8:30).

Wherever you are in your faith journey today, you are exactly where you need to be. As children of God, we are called to live lives reflecting the character of Christ.

If the Lord is refining you through trials, are the byproducts of your faith giving Him glory today?