Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Refiner's Fire

I am sure many of you have heard this story before. It has been on my heart lately as we go through the circumstances of our everyday life. I believe that God is refining me to a level like never before. To the point where there is not one part of me that doesn't respond in a pleasing way to our Maker. Needless to say, I am feeling weary and desperate for God to work in a mighty way to sell our home and bring our family together. I know full well that He is faithful and He is sovereign and His will is perfect and His timing is right.

Let this Refiner's Fire story be an encouragement and a challenge to you, as it has been to me. Oh, let Him see His image when He looks at me.

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to

read the scriptures and make them the subject of

conversation. While reading the third chapter of

Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression

in the third verse.
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One lady's opinion was that it was intended to

convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the

grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a

silversmith and report to them what he said

on the subject. She went accordingly and without

telling the object of her errand, begged to know the

process of refining silver, which he fully described

to her.

"But Sir," she said, "do you sit while the work of

refining is going on?" "Oh, yes madam, " replied

the silversmith, "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed

on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining

be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver

will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort

too, of the expression,

"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier

of silver."

Christ sees it needful to put His children into a

furnace. His eye is steadily intent on the work of

purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged

in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come

at random; "the very hairs of your head are

all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith

called her back, and said he had still further to

mention, that he only knows when the process of

purifying was complete, by seeing his own image

reflected in the silver.

Beautiful example! When Christ shall see His own

image in His people, His work of purifying will

be accomplished.

Author Unknown

10 comments:

Lee and Bev said...

Oh God, stoke that fire so that your image may be seen in me as well! How comforting to know that you are constantly watching and not leaving me to "burn up!" Great reminder, Cris. Thank you! Praying you have a wonderful week.

Sean and Lisa said...

Oh Cris! So good and I so needed to read this today. Thank you! Blessings to you my sweet friend and praying for God to move mightily this week in your life.

Cheryl said...

I have not heard this before... how beautiful...

Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura, and baby Carrie said...

I've been reading your site for a while but have never commented. Wow, this really spoke to me today! Isn't it amazing that the Lord will use peoples' blogs (that we don't even know) to speak to us. He is so GOOD. Bless you!

Tiffany said...

Thank you for sharing! I am praying for you! You are doing a great job of being faithful and submissive to God and His timing. Your life is a testimony, hang in there!

Rachel said...

Thank you so much for sharing this tonight Cris...

It amazes me how God puts people in your life at the exact moment you need them and this post was the EXACT moment for me.

Struggling...but praying...

A Girl, her God, and a Gift! said...

I, too, needed this reminder today... after a week of health issues, ER visits, blood tests, x-rays, doctor visits, and still no real answers (for me) and then Emma coming down w/ Chicken pox, despite the vaccination... I'm feeling weary. I need to remember that he works all things for my good, just not always in the way I may choose. Hang in there... I'm praying for you all.

Tim and Susan said...

Striving to be more like Jesus each day...God has worked and continues to work on me too.

Annie said...

I hadn't read that before; I'm so glad you shared it.

Smith Schoolhouse said...

I love this story! Heard it before in a time of refining in my life. Have you heard the song- Refiner's Fire? One of my favorite ever. God is so good!