Refiner's Fire

When we are experiencing adversity, it is often referred to as being "in the refiner's fire". This expression comes from the process of superheating precious metals in order to burn out the dross, or impurities, in the metal. The result is a pure metal, stronger for having been purged of its weaknesses, yet more malleable and able to be worked. Gold, silver and other precious metals were purified in this way.

When the gold was malleable, it was soft and pliable, ready to take the shape the creator wanted it to have, and capble of being worked into the most exquisite designs at the hand of the master.

In our lives, refining can be looked at as a period of divine testing. Our creator knew and expected that we would go through hard times, but he also knew that these difficult periods would literally "prove our mettle". By surviving the hard times and coming out the other side, we would be purified of our dross -- our bad habits, poor attitudes, incorrect behaviors, and other weaknesses -- and find in ourselves the courage and faith to continue onward.

Our hearts would become softened toward ourselves and toward others by the refining process. With a soft heart, we are teachable, and malleable, ready to allow the creator to mold us into the shape he wants us to have, designed and now fit for his purposes.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fire in you, the test that
comes face-to-face with you, as though some strange thing
were happening to you;"
-- 1 Peter 4:12

The heat of the refiner's fire will come to us all, and for some, more than once. Instead of being consumed by the fire, we must hold on and allow the fire to burn out of us anything that is impure or of little value to our mission on this planet. In so doing, we acquire the humility to learn from our experiences and change whatever is necessary in our lives to overcome our adversity.