I know we have all felt this way at some point of another so it's easy to relate. I am in the midst of what I would consider the refiner's fire. I was raised to solve my own problems (without asking for help from others) but I am in need. No physical needs to meet, and I don't think it would be classy to discuss the issues upsetting me, so instead I simply ask for prayers/happy thoughts on my behalf. I know it's a little odd to make such a request (especially at 1:53 on a random Thursday morning), but please know that my life is currently a little skitty-whompus and I could use a little extra support.
In the mean time, I keep reminding myself that it takes tremendous effort and pressure to make coal into a diamond - so maybe the current events are God's way of taking my coal-self and trying to create a diamond....
Let's hope.
You're in my prayers! If you need to chat, or just hang out and not chat I'd love to get together! It's going to be a beautiful weekend, we could go for a walk or bike ride or something. If you need me, I'm here! This is an awesome story about the Refiner's Fire.
ReplyDeleteThe Refiner's Fire Story
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
Sarah, God loves you, as do I!!