Valerie and I vacationed to Arizona a few year ago and they have this section of Scottsdale called “old town” that is a recreation of an old west town square. Now, in addition to the general store and the local saloon, we were fascinated to see a local blacksmith shop demonstrating how they work with precious metals, like silver, to create the beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry that the great southwest region is famous for.
You know, it got me to thinking about the character and nature of our heavenly Father and how He works on and in us! There is a wonderful little verse in the bible that says of God, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Malachi 3:3
As we watched that old silversmith demonstrate his work, he held a piece of silver over the fire and heated it up, explaining that in refining silver, he needed to put the metal in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities. He explained that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep careful watch the entire time because if he left the silver in the flames a moment too long, it would be destroyed!
Listen, this is the same type of spiritual process that God allows us to go through as He holds us through hot spots and flaming crisis of life. God wants to purify and perfect us and sometimes that means burning away life’s impurities! Someone said that the way the silversmith knows when the silver is fully refined is when he can see his image in it! I believe that God is looking at each of us today to see His image reflected in our lives.
Today, if you are feeling the heat of the fire, just remember that whatever you're going through, God wants you to come out be a better person in the end. The Father has His eyes on you and will keep watching over you; refining you, until He can see His image reflected in you!
Join us this Sunday live on Facebook, Youtube or join us in person at our new location
Comments