The
experience of déjà vu is accompanied by a compelling sense of familiarity in a
present situation. In the movie Groundhog Day we see the essence of
déjà vu personified. Cynical, self-centered TV meteorologist Phil Connors has
been sent to Punxsutawney, PA to broadcast the annual Groundhog Day
festivities. After grudgingly covering the event, he awakens the next day to
find himself trapped in an endless cycle of Groundhog Days. When his
self-indulgent behavior fails to change, events repeat themselves in the same
way they occurred the original day. Given opportunities to learn from the
previous day’s failures and to respond to others differently, Phil continues to
fulfill his own self-seeking pleasures, at the expense of others. As desperate
attempts to change the events or escape the cycle of the time loop prove futile,
Phil grows increasingly despondent. Eventually, he comes to the realization
that he is powerless to change his circumstances…the only thing he can change
is himself. When a transformed Phil emerges as a thoughtful, caring, selfless
new man, the time loop is broken and he is set free from Groundhog Day.
This fitting cinematic compression likens itself to the refining process of a believer. As Christ-followers, every detail of our lives falls under God’s scrutiny, as He purges out remnants of our carnal life. Oftentimes, He will bring us back to the same point over and over again; leaving us in that place until the desired lessons are learned and His finished product has been produced. Whether it be lessons in forgiveness, loving the unlovable, selfishness, pride, or lack of trust…the refining process continues as impurities are eradicated from our character.
Just as silver is refined by being held in the middle of the fire, where the hottest flames burn away the impurities, the Lord will hold us in that “hot spot” until the desired transformation takes place. And while the silversmith knows the silver is completely refined when he can see his image reflecting in the metal, the Lord will rejoice in His completed work when He sees His reflection in our lives.
Do you find yourself stuck in a place of Déjà vu, wrestling over and over with the same familiar lessons? Lend yourself to God’s refining moments…He may not move you forward until you do!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a stronghold in your life in which God is continually re-testing you? Surrender to His character refinement today.
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:22-23; Jeremiah 9:7
This fitting cinematic compression likens itself to the refining process of a believer. As Christ-followers, every detail of our lives falls under God’s scrutiny, as He purges out remnants of our carnal life. Oftentimes, He will bring us back to the same point over and over again; leaving us in that place until the desired lessons are learned and His finished product has been produced. Whether it be lessons in forgiveness, loving the unlovable, selfishness, pride, or lack of trust…the refining process continues as impurities are eradicated from our character.
Just as silver is refined by being held in the middle of the fire, where the hottest flames burn away the impurities, the Lord will hold us in that “hot spot” until the desired transformation takes place. And while the silversmith knows the silver is completely refined when he can see his image reflecting in the metal, the Lord will rejoice in His completed work when He sees His reflection in our lives.
Do you find yourself stuck in a place of Déjà vu, wrestling over and over with the same familiar lessons? Lend yourself to God’s refining moments…He may not move you forward until you do!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a stronghold in your life in which God is continually re-testing you? Surrender to His character refinement today.
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:22-23; Jeremiah 9:7
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired
police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot
Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.
She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events team.
