THE REFINER'S FIRE

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3 NKJV)

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:7 NKJV)

Nothing is harder to bear than the apparent aimlessness of suffering.

They say that what breaks a convict's heart in jail is to have him to carry rocks from one side of the prison to the other, and then back again! But we must never look upon the trials of life as punishments, because all penalties were borne by our Lord Himself. They are intended to destroy the weeds and garbage of our natures, as the bonfires do in the gardens. Christ regards us in the light of our eternal interests, of which He alone can judge. If you and I knew what sphere we were to fulfill in the other world, we should understand the significance of His dealings with us, as now we cannot do. The Refiner has a purpose in view, of which those who stand beside Him are ignorant, and, therefore, they are unable to judge the process which He is employing.

Dare to believe that Christ is working toward a plan in your life. He loves you, so be patient! He would not take so much trouble unless He knew that it was worth while. "We do not prune weeds, or cast common stones into the pot or plow sea-sands!" You must be capable of some special service, which can only be done by a carefully prepared instrument, and so Christ sits beside you as the Refiner, year after year, that you may miss nothing.

While the fire is hot, keep conversing with the Refiner. Meditate on these words: "He shall sit as a Refiner and Purifier of silver." The thought is especially suitable for those who cannot make long prayers, but they can talk to Christ as He sits beside them. Nicholas Hermann tells us that, as he could not concentrate his mind on prolonged prayer, he gave up set times of prayer and sought constant conversations with Christ. Speak to Him, then, in the midst of your daily work. He hears the unspoken prayer, and catches your whispers. Talk to Christ about your trials, sorrows, and anxieties! Make Him your confidant in joy and happiness! Nothing makes Him so real as to talk to Him aloud about everything!

PRAYER                                                                       

Let the fire of Your love consume in me all sinful desires of the flesh and of the mind, that I may henceforth continually abide in Jesus Christ my Lord, and seek the things where He sits at Your right hand. In His name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #52:
You can trust in Me for I will never forsake you.

Psalm 9:10 (WEB)
Those who know your name will put their trust in you,
for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.