In The Refiner’s Fire

“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God’” (Zechariah 13:9).

A group of women studying the book of Malachi came across chapter three, verse three; “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” This verse puzzled the women as they wondered about the deeper meaning of the character and nature of God. One offered to learn about the refining process of silver to report her findings to the group. She made an appointment with a silversmith, to watch him work. She observed as he held a piece of silver over the fire. He explained the necessity of holding silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were the hottest, to burn away all its impurities.

The woman thought about how God holds us in “hot spots”; “He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.” She asked the silversmith if he had to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered “Yes,” and explained that not only did he hold the silver but ALSO kept his eyes on it the entire time it was in the fire; otherwise, the silver would be damaged if left even a moment too long in the flame.

After a moment of silent contemplation, she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?”

He smiled and answered, “That’s easy… When I see my image in it!”

Are you feeling the heat of a refining fire today? Just remember that God has His eyes on you. There’s a good outcome to the refining. (Adapted from unknown author.)

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Our trials are complex…they can make us feel weak and weary. However, we are brought out of the fire by the saving grace of Jesus! Lay your burdens down at His feet, accept his redeeming love, and allow Him to make you into the new creation you were meant to be!

“But out of the sheer goodness of My heart, because of Who I AM, I keep a tight rein on My anger and hold My temper. I don’t wash my hands of you. Do you see what I’ve done? I’ve refined you, but not without fire. I’ve tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 10:9-10).

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:7).

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, we give You all the glory and praise for refining us. The hardships we have survived have shaped us into people who want to be more like You. We are humbled by Your goodness and mercy, Lord. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: Don’t lose hope if you are feeling the fire today. God is refining you as He leads you through it!