In The Refiner's Fire

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He will sit like a refiner of silver...
Malachi 3:3

Are you in the refiner's fire today? If you are don't rebel or try to run away, just sit still and let the refiner do His work. The Bible says: 'He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify [them], refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.'

A woman who read this verse at a Bible study wanted to know how it related to her walk with God, so she made an appointment with the silversmith. Without mentioning anything other than a general interest in the process, she sat and observed him work. She watched as he held the silver over the fire, explaining that in order to burn away every impurity he had to keep it in the middle where it was hottest. She asked him if he usually sat in front of the fire the entire time. 'Yes,' he replied, 'not only do I have to hold it, I must watch it. If I leave it there too long it will be destroyed.' After thinking about that for awhile she asked, 'How do you know when the process is complete?' Smiling, he replied, 'That's easy; I see my face reflected in it.'

If you're in the refiner's fire today, remember: a) He knows what He's doing, so trust Him b) He won't allow you to be destroyed by the circumstances, or take His eye off you c) when the process is complete, you'll be more like Jesus and less like your old self. Isn't that what you want? Isn't that what you've prayed for?

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Comments

Isn't it wonderful?! I'm constantly being refined. The head silversmith is looking to see his face in me!!! Sometimes the fire does get HOTTER than I'd like though. Wishing you well. Cathy
ChrisJ said…
Oh what a great illustration, I will see my face reflected in it. Wonderful!
Pietro Brosio said…
A splendid image, which is both real and spiritual.
Steve said…
Thanks for another helpful and challenging word.
Abbey's Road said…
I love this story! Happy to read about it and your thoughts on it. I know that I am constantly being refined, and that this will really never end, for I will never be better than any sinner on this earth. But I strive to be worthy of a place in His Kingdom, and thus I turn to him in all matters through my personal refinement!

Peace,
Abbey ♥
photowannabe said…
Yes I think I go through the refiners fire everyday. When I get annoyed with my husband, when my older son was laid off last week, relatives. You name it...anything can be the starting point for The Refiners Fire.
Barbara said…
A great place to be but we do not always feel that at the time.
Steve said…
Staying in the refiner's fire can be easier said than done from my own experience. One time several years ago I can vividly remember feeling in that place. I'm afraid I got myself out of it though I was advised to do so at the time. Generally though I am a sticker and don't easily give up in most situations.

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