SIFT: examine (something) thoroughly so as to isolate that which is most important or useful.
The word sift in itself is pretty innocuous. We don't really think about it unless we are cooking. But when Pastor Norwood talked about sifting all those years ago, he was talking about God's people--BELIEVERS. Those have built that relationship (not religion) by accepting Christ into their lives and what He did by purchasing their salvation on the cross, dying for their sins and rising again to sit on the right hand of God the Father, interceding daily on our behalf.
Sifting is not a difficult process when you are talking about cooking. You place whatever is to be sifted in the device and turn the little crank or squeeze the handles, depending on the variety of sifter you use. The flour (or whatever is being sifted) comes out the bottom as a fine powder, all lumps or large particles gone.
But when you talk about sifting God's people, it is a more painful process. Think of Abraham in Genesis chapter 22: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
OUCH! That doesn't sound like it was much fun for Isaac and especially not for Abraham! For those who know "the rest of the story," because Abraham was faithful in doing what God asked, God provided a ram in the thicket to take Isaac's place as that offering.
Are we that faithful?
Are you going through difficult times? James 1: 2-4 tells us: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
and Hebrews 12:4-11 says: "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons."
We all go through adversity of some type at some time in our lives. No one can ever claim to have it smooth and easy all the time. Even the person who wins the lottery and thinks life is going to be calm waters and smooth sailing, will come to realize that money can't buy happiness, as the old saying goes.
All you have to do is listen to the news, watch the inane "reality" television shows, or read the postings on social media to realize that for the most part people are not happy (and that they like to complain!).
So when you are in your "SIFTING" period, count it all joy, my brothers and sisters. God is preparing you for the kingdom and to be steadfast for him. That word is another that has an interesting definition: "resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering."
That's where I want to be! Resolute and dutifully firm and unwavering in my pursuit of Christ. That others may see that in me. Not that I am perfect and do not fall on my way in this life, but that I pick myself up, dust myself off and step forward again.
And I want to daily be reminded, that in my earthly sufferings, my sifting, God loves me and is in control.
Bring on the sifter God!
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