Life Less Ordinary for the week of January 19, 2009

“Refinement is the delicate aroma of Christianity.” ~Charlotte Mary Yonge

Zechariah 13:8-9

“In the whole land," declares the LORD,
"two-thirds will be struck down and perish;
yet one-third will be left in it.

This third I will bring into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, 'They are my people,'
and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "

~~~

As you probably know, there are quite a few other passages in the Bible that talk about God’s people being refined in the fire. But why would he do this? Sounds kind of mean, to bring us into the fire of pain and hardship. But that’s not the case at all—it is a refining fire. In order for precious metals to take shape and shine with a glorious luster, they must first go through the fire. A silversmith must hold the silver in the hottest part of the fire to burn away all the impurities. He not only has to sit there holding the silver, but must watch it the entire time to know the right time to bring it out of the fire. If the silver is left in a moment too long, it could be destroyed. And how does the silversmith know when the silver is fully refined? When he can see his own image in it! What an amazing picture of God’s love!

We, as servants of God, must pass through the refining fire. It burns and it scars and it hurts and it takes a long time...but in the end you will reflect the light of love and devotion that illuminates the pure and holy face of God. He knows his Creation and he always does what's best for her. You are strong, dear sisters, even though you may not feel like it. You will make it through the fire.

-----