For everyone will be tested by fire” – Mark 9:39 NLT
What if the very thing you’re complaining about is the thing God is using to grow, mature, and purify you so you’re ready for His use?
The KJV of Mark 9:39 states that you “shall be salted by fire”. If you do a little digging, Blue Letter Bible shares that shall be salted in Greek is translated to Halizo (hal-id-so). It means that “every true Christian is rendered ripe for a holy and happy association with God in His kingdom by fire: the pain of afflictions and trials, which if endured with constancy tend to purge and strength the soul.”
Let’s take a closer look, because word choice matters.
According to dictionary.com rendered means “to cause someone or something to be in a certain state”. When cooking it can also refer to the process of melting solid animal fat down to into a liquid to purify it. This is important because we often question our adversities but don’t realize that sometimes the Lord is causing for it to happen, so we can be purified.
However, the scripture doesn’t just say we are rendered. It says we are rendered “ripe”, and to be ripe according to Marian-Webster means “to be fully grown, mature and ready to use”. Meaning, the rendering is not without purpose. It’s very intentional.
Now, you might be wondering why do we need to be rendered ripe? Well, I’m glad you asked. We all know that we as Christian’s are created in the image of God and called to be His image bearers (Gen 1:26-27). So, everything about us should exude Gods character, nature, and likeness. That’s why I believe the words following render in Halizo’s definition says for a holy and happy association with God. To be rendered ripe is to be purified, so we can look more like Lord and be used for His glory.
Now that we know what is taking place…rendering, and why… to be ripened, how does the Lord go about doing this?
What comes next is crucial because it’s where most people either make or break. The definition continues by stating, “by fire”. True Christian’s are rendered ripe, by fire: the pain of afflictions and trials. Re-read that as many times as you need to, because Jesus is stating that you will experience pain, afflictions, and trials. Furthermore, it’s also evidence that our Christian walks will be attached to some heartache. We won’t simply experience affliction, but we will experience affliction that will bring pain.
However, God is so intentional that nothing is ever waisted or in vain (1 Cor 15:58). The last part of the definition for Halizo’s states, which if endured with constancy tend to purge and strengthen the soul. Notice it says “if endured”. Meaning that you can endure but you have to choose to.
So, how do you do this?
You do this by remaining in an unwavering state of faithfulness and commitment to the Lord. Constancy according to Merriam-Webster “is the quality of staying the same without changing. It focuses on steadfastness, loyalty, and stability.” So, as circumstances change, pressure is added, and the heat is turned up…you remain. Your walk with God doesn’t waver because you are anchored; and your character shouldn’t change because you’re focused on the one who is unchanging.
The last part of the definition that I want to highlight is the result of the fire…to purge and strength the soul. Dictionary.com shares that purge means to clear, remove, free, and get rid of what’s undesirable. Strength according to Merriam-Webster is “the quality or state of being strong, encompassing physical power, mental resilience, and structural toughness.” God isn’t simply having you walk through fire, He’s using it.
I know most of this is common knowledge as a Christian, but I don’t want us to miss the weight that these three words carry. Shall be salted is reminder of what we can expect as we journey through life, but it’s also a reminder of what God has graced us to do and the outcome if we endure.
In this passage, Jesus is letting us know that:
This passage reminds us that sometimes pain and hardship is a part of the process, and when it’s placed in the hands of God, and used for His glory, it is never waisted.
Remember, the definition says for a happy and holy association with God, we are caused to mature, so we are ready for God’s use.
If you are in a season that has brought pain, affliction, or trials…stay encouraged. God already knew every fire you’d walk through, and has equipped you for it. Allow Him to purify you, you’ll be better because of it in the end.
For those who have not had to walk through these adverse conditions, remember that the Lord says everyone will be tested by fire. When the time comes don’t panic or throw in the towel. Go before God, because it may be the very thing, He uses to build you and prepare you for where He’s taking you. It may not look good or feel good, but Gods word guarantees you can endure it, if you choose.
Don’t disrupt the process that God has you in, or will bring you to. It’s for your good, and it’s bigger than you.
You will be tested, but when you are you will “come out as pure gold (Job 23:10)”.