If you were to build a house brick-by-brick, what type of stones would you choose? Weak or battle-tested stones?
God’s Word tells us: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5 NIV).
This verse shows us who God will use — believers. It shows the purpose — to build a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. And it shows the work — to offer spiritual sacrifices that please Him.
But here’s the truth: while all believers are part of His plan, not all of us are usable.
God has a building process. He is intentional about it, just as He is intentional about everything He creates. And whatever He is building you for will determine what He designs into your process.
Sometimes, that process is a furnace.
Step outside God’s covering, and the enemy is waiting. But if you yield to the fire God purposes, you’ll come out different — your senses engaged, your character refined.
Joseph’s first indication of calling wasn’t in a palace; it was in a pit — put there by his own brothers. When he began to get comfortable in Potiphar’s house, God introduced another refining fire. Through it all, the gift of vision remained, but the man carrying it had to be forged.
David was anointed as king, yet he didn’t wear the crown immediately. God’s Spirit led him into caves and trials before the throne. Even Peter, confident in his love for Jesus, had to face the humbling moment of denying Him before he was ready to lead.
God doesn’t build with impurities. You may think you’re ready, but He knows otherwise. Like a master builder choosing only fine stones — stones that have been beaten, shaped, and smoothed — God tests and shapes us until we’re fit for His spiritual house.
Abraham was tested. Joseph was tried by God’s word. David was hunted by Saul. Even Jesus was tempted and endured the cross. Every person God uses has been tried, and those who remain faithful through the testing are the ones He builds with.
The testing is thorough. God will test your patience, your faith, your motives. He will orchestrate situations that expose weakness and strengthen your spirit. Some strengths you rely on now may fail in a different environment, revealing where you still need His work.
So how do we endure the process?
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because… the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
We endure by yielding to Him completely. God is never in a hurry to use anyone; He knows the right time. Total submission to His process is for our good, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Because in the end, only those refined in the furnace will stand as fine stones — ready, pure, and fit for the Master’s use.
