Being Sifted

Lately I have found myself enjoying a baking competition on television. As I was watching an episode I noticed the  participants were sifting their dry ingredients and as they sifted they described the purpose of the action.

Over and over various competitors explained how this step would produce a smoother and better baked item. A simple principle that has stuck in my heart for a few days. Today as a I was doing my pool therapy I was also praying and it dawned on me why this simple action struck me so profoundly.

As I go through this season of battling cancer I try to intentionally focus my mind on things for which  I am thankful. I particularly find myself turning to this when the day holds more challenges. Today I am thankful for the revelation God gave me about being sifted.

Of course as Christians we have heard sermons about similar topics, the threshing floor, the refiner’s fire etc but today I felt this was different. As I asked God about this looking for a profound meaning He simply said I am removing things you don’t need to deal with. When we allow Him to lead our lives He will sift out those things that we don’t need to carry and this made me so thankful.

What is something that has burdened your heart? Do you find something weighing your spirit down? For me, it can be very stressful when my eyes turn to side effects, physical struggles and limitations etc. However, when I lift my eyes to Him and let Him sift the events of my life I find myself instead being grateful for a multitude of things. I thank Him for what I can do, for the provision to stay in my home, the joy I get from painting. You see, it can be easy to look at all the heavy things in our lives but He can sift those out and what is left is a life full of blessings and peace.

In truth, despite my circumstances health wise I have a much happier and more fulfilled life now than I ever had before. I am allowing Him to sift out all that I don’t need to carry and what’s left is smooth and fine. Instead of carrying the weight of the world I am able to rest in His presence and peace.