The Heat is On

But who can endure the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap. (Malachi 3:2)

Refining is defined as the process of removing impurities. We are all full of impurities, but unfortunately we all don’t allow God to refine us. One of the reasons that we don’t care to be refined is that it hurts. It is a painful and tedious process. We have to let go and so many times we would just rather hold on to our impurities. I feel that I am going through a refining process and God is stripping me of all of my impurities. It is a very painful process, but I know to be made whole through him I have to go all the way through. Nothing is too hard for God. The beauty of the refining process is that God never leaves our side. He is right there paying attention to every part of the process. He wants to refine us and make us right in his image. Through his grace and mercy, this broken spirit will come out a beautiful finished product. Allow God to refine you. It is so much better than staying bound.

Refining Silver

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 is 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 forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver....
--Author Unknown

Be refined.