November 23, 2009
By: Julie Clinton

"For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver." Psalms 66:10

The Refiner’s fire is necessary to remove the impurities and produce a renewed strength and elegance in us (Psalms 66:10). But fire equals pain. And pain hurts. Sometimes it hurts so badly we miss what’s waiting for us on the other side of the sorrow, heartache, and unhappiness. Instead, we walk gingerly through life so we don’t have to feel anything too deeply.

The refiner usually sits by the fire, watches and waits. How does he know when it’s finished? When he can see His reflection.

Next time you hurt, know He is sitting right there beside you. He’ll see you through as soon as He can see His reflection in you!

You can get to the next level and live God’s dream for you by discovering where you feel resistant in your life and then identifying what you can learn from it. Those courageous enough to meet Him in the midst of their circumstances, whatever they may be, have the guarantee of His provision. By surrendering to Him, we show a willingness to grow through even our unwanted circumstances. The moment we yield is the instant healing begins.

Prayer
Dear Lord and Father. Take the circumstances of my life and use them to refine me. Make me purer and more loving. Let me cling to you and draw nearer to you no matter what the circumstances are in my life. Amen.
  • Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
  • Monday: Psalms 66:10
  • Tuesday: Philippians 4:10-13
  • Wednesday: I Thessalonians 5:17
  • Thursday: Psalms 23:4
  • Friday: II Thessalonians 3:3-5
  • Saturday: Isaiah 35:3-6
  • Sunday: Psalms 142:1-7