There are three primary drivers of fires:

First, we are born into a world of disease and crime. This is a condition resulting from our own rebellion in the Garden of Eden, resulting in pain, illness, loneliness, heartache and despair.

Second, we create our own fires via the decisions we make isolated from God and His people. We date the wrong people, choose the wrong career for the wrong reason, walk away from God, fail to eat properly, exercise, the list goes on.

Then there are the times when God sends us into trials to refine our hearts. We have firsthand knowledge of these varied struggles. We strive to survive the heat of such flames. Can I get an Amen!?! Even if the spark is a result of world’s darkness, God redeems our brokenness.

I rarely understand how God will use a particular fire until many years pass. I came to believe He used the loss of my fourteen-year-old sister, when I was twelve, as 2 Corinthians 1:4 “… so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”. We learn from fires.

In the below Psalm, David remains in hiding from his enemies as they hunt him down with the plan to murder him. This is a deep valley, a hot fire, where God has placed him. God keeps him safe but there are things for David to learn. Lessons not easily forgotten needed later as he sits on the throne as king.

Psalm 12: 6 reads, The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

The process of silver refining, during biblical, times is fascinating.

Step 1. Depending on the size of the crucible (the container used for melting the ore) a chunk of rock containing silver would be broken off and placed into the crucible.

Step 2. Crucible is placed into a very, very hot furnace.

Step 3. As the ore melts, impurities (dross) rise to the surface and are removed. This process is repeated over and over until the precious metal is purified. The refiner knows it is purified when it is no longer hazy in appearance; it is clear enough he can see his reflection in the silver (or gold).

God has not abandoned us to our depths of despair. God is our Refiner, desiring to see himself in us. His Word is true, His promises real. In His timing, He will rescue us from the fire. When we invite Him in, He heals our hearts and minds, removing the dross, so the precious metal beneath shines ever bright.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

 Father, thank You for using the fires of our lives. When it is not yet time for rescue, thank You for sheltering us from complete devastation. When despair hovers around, thank You for healing our minds, bodies, and souls in the aftermath. Father Thank You for Your patience. We are like little children, too often wanting our own way rather than seeing the wisdom and love in Your ways. Keep us strong in the fires.

I am also including a link below to one of my favorite presentations. June Hunt beautifully compares the refining process to our walk with God.

God’s Refining Process — June Hunt on Trials (hopefortheheart.org)