Refining Fire
This picture is a result of a devotional that Mr. McWha, the director of the training center where I work, gave a few years back. He explained to us that when gold is refined, the refiner knows it is pure when he can see his reflection in the liquid metal.
He went on to say that that is how God tests our purity. He wants to get us the point where He can see His own reflection.
The Silversmith
Some time ago a few ladies met to study the Scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upn a remarkable expression in the third verse: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
One lady decided to visit a silversmith and report to the others what he said about the subject. She went accordingly and, without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the processof refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith, "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
Gpd sees ot necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying and His wisdome and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"
"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete." ~ Unknown
