REFINING & PURIFYING
An ancient legend describes a technique metallurgists utilized in refining silver. As it heated in the crucible, the silversmith stared intently into the molten metal, eyes riveted on its surface. He understood the fire would damage the silver if it overheated too quickly. According to this tradition, the process was complete when the craftsman could see his own image reflected in the liquid silver.
Although this story is fictitious, scripture often depicts God spiritually refining us through the crucible of affliction. “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts” (Proverbs 17:3, ESV). Malachi 3:3 describes God refining us like a silversmith. “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver” (NIV). Like the ancient legend, God meticulously watches over us, to ensure the fire doesn’t consume us until He sees His image reflected in our lives.
If precious metal could feel, I’m confident it would be squirming and squealing in the midst of the purifying process. Isn’t that also true for us? God is persistent. He loves us enough to continue refining us until our lives reflect his image, which actually requires a lifetime.
If ever there was a time of refining, we’re going through it right now. If COVID wasn’t enough, if economic devastation wasn’t enough, if violence in our cities wasn’t enough, here on the west coast, we’re now experiencing out-of-control fires consuming millions of acres. In Sonoma County, we’re witnessing the fourth fire evacuation in as many years. As I write this, the smoke is producing unhealthy air quality, which makes breathing challenging.
Recently someone asked, “Do you think God’s trying to get our attention?” Yes! God is always trying to get our attention! C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Haggai the prophet succinctly phrased it, “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5,7).
Life is not a tiptoe-through-the-tulips blissful waltz, as we merrily skip our way into eternity. While we’re consumed with our comfort, God is primarily interested in our spiritual growth, always working in our lives. And if circumstances demand it, He’s willing to put us through the crucible of affliction, carefully watching, until He sees His image reflected in us.
Principle: As we face affliction, God watches over us until His image is reflected in our lives.
Promise: Like a good silversmith, God will not allow the fire to consume us.
Ponder:
In what ways am I being “put through the fire” right now?
How is this experience helping to purify me?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love which purifies me, and also protects me from the fires of affliction consuming me.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study I Peter 1:3-9.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.