Olives are chosen and cleaned to remove all impurities and get the purest (most virgin) oil. They are placed in a mill to be processed and crushed. The mill has two large granite wheels that weigh 2,000kg each. In there, the olives are crushed at a high speed. After being crushed, the mass gets passed through a cold press. It is during this process that the extra virgin olive oil is produced.
God does the same with us. He chooses us,” For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, by his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6
He also cleanses us through His Holy Spirit, removing all impurity and cleansing us from sin. The Holy Spirit, who guides us to repentance in the knowledge of the Word, is a balm that brings healing and comfort to our souls. Proverbs 4: 20-22- My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my reasons. Do not depart from your eyes; keep them in the middle of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and medicine to their whole body.
God also processes us every time we go through trials; it pressures us to bring out the best in us bringing out the best oil, the best version of us. It is during the process that He molds and purifies us. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you find yourself in various trials, knowing that the trial of your faith produces patience. But let his complete work be patient, so that you may be perfect and complete, without lacking anything." James 1:2-4.
Life is full of problems and tribulations; no one is exempt. The key is in how we face times of crisis or trial. The key is in our attitude, in our faith. Faith is the certainty of what is expected, the conviction of things not seen Hebrews 11:1. We also know that faith, without work, is dead, so faith entails an action. During your trial, God invites you to look beyond your problem and see that in the end, you will find blessings and growth. It is in our hands to make the best of it in the middle of the process. Well, our attitude during the test is what will make the difference. Be anxious for nothing; rather, in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. John 16:33.
I know that it is not easy to see beyond our problems. When we are under pressure, everything looks dark and impossible, but God wants you to know that you are not alone, just as He was inside the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God is with us when we are faithful to Him. Even when it seems we are alone and He is not by our side, He is there, like a mighty giant. No matter what you are experiencing, He is there with you. He is our help, our very present help in trouble. "Fear not, for I am with you; do not dismay, because I am your God who strives for you; I will always help you. I will always support you with the right hand of my justice." Isaiah 41:10.
Anyone can make good out of good, but God is a specialist in making good out of bad. When you believe, God transforms any bad into good. He will use any circumstance to bless you and bring out your best. Romans 8:28 says, “Now we know that God works all things together for good for those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Today God wants to tell you not to be afraid or dismayed because He will be with you always. He wants you to know that He is greater than any problem you may be experiencing, and He is by our side as a mighty giant. God wants you to know that He has already given you the victory. 33 These things I have spoken to you so that, in me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have affliction; but trust, I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
Do not forget! If you are under pressure, He is getting the best of you; you only have to let Him do it. My prayer is that God shows you that amid everything that is happening, He has not left you alone and that even in the trial, He wants to bless you. Do not forget that the only thing He asks of you is to trust Him and rest in Him. When you rest in Him, you will receive peace. Peace I leave you; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not be distressed or cowered. John 14:27.
