Refined by Fire!

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. [Proverbs 13:3]

Both gold and silver are refined by high heat. The impurities float to the top and are taken out, improving the purity and quality of the metal. In the same way; suffering allows the moral impurities in our character to surface. The heat of hard times is designed to improve us, drawing us closer to the heart of God. When you are facing difficulties, stay strong, and know that through that trial, you will be molded into the person, God wants you to be!

"It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness." -Madame Guyon

11 comments:

Ben said...

A short but very meaningful post.

Anonymous said...

This is so true, Thomas, and I bet you know it from personal experience. The Lord recently pointed out to me that when we suffer as Christians, we should stop our bellyaching and rejoice.

"So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name." (Acts 5:41)

ThomasCSlater said...

Hi Ben and Jean, thank you for your comments, I hope all is well with you guys.

Lori Laws said...

Amen brother!

Matt said...

Hello Thomas:

I enjoyed reading your latest post. The Lord brought me to Him by letting me rely on myself as an unbelieving sinner, then saving me through spiritual warfare. Since I bacame a believer on that night 3 and a half years ago, I have seen some suffering, but now I have the love of Jesus to rely on to get me through. Thanks for your great post!

ThomasCSlater said...

newchristian920, thanks for stopping by. I am glad you enjoyed the post. Yes you are correct, the Love that Jesus showed for us, is indescribable!

Christina G. said...

I see you've quoted Madame Guyon, Thomas...it's been a long time since I've seen that name, I used to read some of her works...I wonder, have you ever read anything by Jesse Penn-Lewis? "Life Out of Death", is what I'm thinking of...

I think it helps to remember, also, as regards suffering, that after we have suffered for a time, there is a promise that our God will establish, strengthen, perfect, settle us. (1 Peter 5:10) I guess that works out differently for each person...

ThomasCSlater said...

Hey Christina, no I never read that book, I'll check it out sometime. Yeah it is different for everyone,

"Each heart knows it's own bitterness, and no one else can share it's joy." [Proverbs 14:10]

Only the Lord knows how we truly feel inside, when we do suffer the Lord is with us and we don't have to go through it alone.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with this because I am strengthened by the trials I endured . But God gave me that strength because He is my Help, my Comfort and my Fortress.

ThomasCSlater said...

You are absolutely right bingkee, many times I have had to rely on the Lord for strength to take on the day.

Anonymous said...

The reference should read "Prov 17:3" rather than 13:3 but the thoughts are right on.