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Refined

 

1 Peter 1:6-7 – “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 

Gold must be refined to remove any embedded impurities. That is, it must be melted by fire so that any pollution can float to the top and be skimmed from the surface,

The Christian life is frequently compared to this process. When we face struggles, God is purifying us like a precious metal, digging deep into our lives to eliminate all the pollution – our dependencies on anything other than Him. The Lord does not put us through this process because He sees us as worthless; on the contrary, it is because He sees the treasure in us. He doesn’t do this to hurt us but to preserve the best parts of us  and bring out what makes us truly beautiful.

Going through the fire is never pleasant, of course. But it is necessary and ultimately good. It not only brings out the best in you but increases your faith and your value to the kingdom of God – because you shine as a beautiful, unclouded reflection of Christ to others.

From – “God’s Purpose for your Life” by Charles F. Stanley