“…the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold…” 1 Peter 1:7
The more that I learn about the process of refining gold, the more I learn that there is no set process. Although the same basic methods are utilized, the order may be somewhat changed according to the properties of the original ore.
Our lives are no different. We are all at different stages of the refining process. We cannot assume that just because we are going through the crushing today means that the next step in our process will be separation. It’s not that simple.
Some portions of refinement are repeated again and again within one individual, while never experienced by the next.
Life’s situations are the crushers, the separators, and the smelters of our heart.
His hand is upon every single device – always regulating its speed and intensity for your best good.
We love ourselves just fine in the lump ore state and often would rather remain hidden in the mine, rather than be brought to a state of true purity.
Yet, our Master Miner never rests.
The One whose eyes are like fire melts our dross with one look.
The One whose feet are like burnished bronze desires that we walk in the light as He is in the light.
The One whose face is like the sun shining in its strength looks into our soul – and our inner man gleams with His brilliance which spills onto our face with radiance.
If we gaze at His shekinah with wide-opened eyes, we cannot remain satisfied with the darkness of the mine.
But the process takes time – His time – where one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Will you push aside the busyness of your day for a glimpse at His luminosity?
“For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29).
.