"Refined by Fire!"
- Rita Larson
- Dec 30, 2023
- 2 min read
The process of refining metal is a powerful analogy for the refinement we, as believers, go through when we commit ourselves to God. In the book of Malachi, God speaks of refining us with a refiner’s fire: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap” (Malachi 3:2-3). God uses this imagery to describe His process of purifying us and making us more like Him.
God uses His refining fire to draw out the dross, or impurities, from our lives. Just as a refiner melts down metal to remove the dross, God is able to look into our hearts and reveal our broken and sinful ways. He then draws out these impurities and purifies us, making us more valuable in His sight. The refining process may be painful, but the end result is a heart that is pure and holy.
The Bible offers several other verses that point to God’s refining process. Psalm 66:10 says “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried." This verse refers to the process of melting down silver, as the refiner does, to remove the dross. Similarly, Proverbs 17:3 states, “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts." God’s refining process is compared to the refiner’s fire that melts down gold and silver. These verses remind us of God’s refining process and the importance of allowing Him to purify our hearts.
God’s refining fire brings us closer to Him and helps us to live a life of purity and righteousness. It is a process of transformation that can be painful and difficult at times, but it is ultimately beneficial and brings us closer to God. God uses his refining fire to purify us and make us more valuable in His sight.
Are you in the refining process? Have you allowed God to purify your heart and soul? What areas of your life need to be refined by God? How can you allow God to draw out the dross from your life and bring you closer to Him? ©Rita Larson 12/30/2023
Song Of The Day:
Comments