Refined   

Thursday, July 9

Refined   

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt. Exodus 13:17

The process of refining gold is the most beautiful, yet horrible thing to watch. It involves putting the gold dust in a crucible and heating it until it melts. This heat causes the impurities to come up to the surface as a dirty film which can then be discarded. The maker can then repeat this process a number of times, bringing up the impurities and removing them, until he is able to look onto the refined gold and can see the reflection as if one were looking into a mirror. So why the refinement? It is an important process in making a strong metal. Similarly, our lives go through periods of refinement. COVID-19, death, setbacks, natural disasters, unforeseen demands of life, loss—the list goes on. 1 Peter 1:7 says, ‘These (trials) have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ The question is, “Can we trust that God is in those unforeseen delays, diversions, and distractions?”

There may also be times during our walk with Christ when we feel that we are going through a rough time, as if we are in a ‘melting pot’ situation. I wonder if that could be when God might be refining us in order to bring the best out of us.

Exodus 13 tells the story of how God uses refinement to perfect the walk of the follower. Exodus (13:17) tells how God led the free nation on a longer route instead of around the southeast “corner” of the Mediterranean Sea into the Promised Land. Why? So the Hebrews wouldn’t encounter the Philistines who inhabited that region, be attacked, and flee back to Egypt for safety. The Hebrews grumbled loud and long about the Sinai sand and sun, but at least they were alive. If they had met the Philistines, they might have been slaughtered.

When God is taking us through such a time, it is not to make us feel hurt or worthless, but it makes us stronger totally depending on God. Next time your path is changed unexpectedly, trust by faith that God is in it and that the change was for a good reason, God shall work it all out for your good (Romans 8:28). It is helpful to think of the process of refining like this; when it is complete there will be no impurities lying underneath to spoil the quality of the gold.

Prayer for today: O God, the process of going through the fire hurts! Yet it is in these moments I find myself at my deepest connection with You. I pray that You will strengthen me as you refine me day by day so that more of the beauty and likeness of Jesus is seen in all I say and do. Amen.