Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Refiner's Fire

by Nan Jones

Photographer unknown

I can't seem to get away from these thoughts, these ponderings of the Refiner's fire. For two days, lessons I've learned in the fire have drifted in and out of my mind. The Lord reminded me of a previous post that dealt with this topic. I believe in my heart of hearts that this message is for someone in particular, probably someone I don't even know. But God knows. He is El Roi, the God Who Sees and knows all about it. Sweet friend, He sees your struggles and He knows your heart. May the words of my heart give you strength for the journey...


The silversmith wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his calloused hand. The flames leaped in the bowels of the furnace, licking the air for oxygen, preparing to devour anything not pure enough to withstand its sweltering fury.

Carefully, the old gentleman filled his stone "smithing" bowl with slivers and filings of discarded silver—throw-aways deliberately chosen for the vessel he would craft. He placed them "just so" into the bowl and then eased it into the center of the flames where the heat was greatest. This was necessary to burn away anything impure. Only the finest silver would do for the vessel the Master silversmith would shape after the refining fire.

The old man reached for his chair. His fingers, black with soot, grasped the chair's carved back and pulled it closer to the furnace. He sat down, never taking his eyes off the silver that was now beginning to melt and swirl in the inferno. The silversmith knew the exact moment to remove the silver—a second too long and it would be destroyed.

He kept a careful eye—watching, waiting—looking for that moment when the impurities were gone.

At last, the dross pulled away from the silver. The silversmith eased the stone bowl out of the flames. He peered into the liquid luster. Reflected back to him, as in a mirror, was his own image. The old gentleman knew the refining fire had completed its work. The silver was pure. It shone with the brightness of the morning star. It reflected its Master's image. Now the vessel for which it was intended could be shaped and molded by the Master's hand.


I am learning that all things have eternal purposes for the one who loves the Lord. His desire is that we be rich in fellowship with Him for all of eternity. In the fire He reveals Himself to us. In the fire He cleanses us and sets us apart to do His will.

"In this you greatly rejoice, 

though now for a little while, if need be, 

you have been grieved by various trials,

 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 1:6-8

Sweet friend, think on these things: The Master never takes His eyes off of His child going through a trial. He knows the exact moment to deliver us from the flames that burn the impurities away. When the dross has pulled away, the Master looks upon His child and, as in a mirror, sees His reflection there - the apple of His eye. It's at that moment that the Lord shapes and molds us into the vessel He needs for us to be - the vessel that will fulfill His purposes on this earth. 

Selah

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you in a fiery trial? Ready to give up? Please don't, God is with you. @NanJonesAuthor will help you find Him. (Click to Tweet)

In the refiner's fire the Master never takes His eyes off His child. (Click to Tweet)



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Do you feel as though you are in the refiner's fire? Do you feel like you want to give us? I would be honored to pray with you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to enter into worship with Christy Nockels singing, "Refiner's Fire" at Passion 2013. It will lift you above your difficulties. Promise.