Thank You for choosing me. It’s amazing to think that I am not only chosen for eternal life, but actually chosen to obey (1 Peter 1:2).
Yet, I know myself.
Left as I am, I have no capacity for spiritual growth. I am selfish and want things to center around me.
Thank You that in Your death, You gathered up all of my ugliness and took it to the grave with You. In a very unfair trade (at least on Your part), You infused me with Your life, so that I don’t have to continue on the disintegrating path I was on.
To top it off, since You have allowed Your same life to flow through me, You also opened the treasures of heaven to be mine as well (1 Peter 1:3-4). Wow.
I have to admit that sometimes I don’t think I am actually going to make it to the end day. Some of the days before me seem awfully long and tedious. Yet, You have promised that I’m protected for the final reality (1 Peter 1:5). I’m claiming onto that promise and not going to let You forget it (as if you could 
.
So, as I walk through today’s pressings and meltings, I remember the true value that You are refining within me. You work each and every situation into an event that will purify my faith into a vessel, useful in Your Hands (1 Peter 1:6-7). I do so want that.
I love You (1 Peter 1:8).
“Everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean, but it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot stand the fire you shall pass through the water” (Numbers 31:23).
You can stand the fire, not just the washing of water.
You have been crushed and sifted until the weight seems unbearable.
You have passed through the fire and have been melted and strained. The intense heat has caused you to despair.
Yet, the Refiner hand moves toward a purpose. He squeezes and dissolves, heats and fires until He can see His very own reflection in Your face.
You are of great value.
And so, I pray that the Lord will imprint His own image into your malleable and willing heart.
Cool into His steadfast likeness – a vessel of honor perfectly fitted for His hand.
As you offer a moldable and willing response, may you never again need the fire to purify you, but need only the daily washing of a suitable utensil.
His temple is filled with only the finest. You are being made into just that.
May He fill you with His Spirit today and empty You only by a deep drought from His very own lips.
Thanks for walking the journey with me.
