Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Fire is a refining agent because it can separate impurities from certain materials, such as gold and silver, when they are heated under controlled conditions. Fire does not destroy precious metals such as gold or silver but removes the impurities. Another excellent metaphor to the testing we go through that refines and purifies us. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver (Malachi 3:3).
We will never be destroyed in the refining process. The furnace is not an enjoyable experience but it is essential for our growth, progress and promotion. In a fiery furnace of disappointment, disparagement or defamation, God is testing the condition of our heart. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart (Proverbs 17:3). In an unexpected loss our heart is tested – when our love for the Lord outweighs the loss, we will become precious and highly valued as purified gold.
The fickle will fumble in the fiery furnace but the tenacious will refine and renew their strength. “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10). Those who patiently persevere through the fiery furnace like Job will receive a double portion of the blessing. Endure the flames of the fire faithfully as the furnace is making you priceless and precious.
The Refining Fire:
- Refine: Fire burns the impurities and the refining fire of the Lord cleanses the heart. We can be rest assured that our Master Refiner is molding us into an honourable and valuable vessel.
- Reflect: Traditional refiners knew the purification process was finished only when the molten metal became clear and mirrored a clear reflection of the refiner’s face. The Master Refiner will finish the refining process when we reflect His nature and His likeness in our lives.
- Revalued: When the refining process is completed, we will be revalued and become vessels of special purpose, holy, useful to the Master and ready to do any good work.
Endure the refining process patiently to become purposeful and precious.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, My Master Refiner, give me the tenacity to endure the fiery furnace to become useful and honourable in Your sight. Amen.
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