May 13, 2020 Devotional: Refined Like Silver
Scripture: Psalm 66:10 (NIV), “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.”
Many years ago, I heard this story at a women’s Bible study. It is called The Refiner’s Fire.
“As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ‘He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.’ (Malachi 3:3) She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, ‘How do you know when the silver is fully refined?’ He smiled at her and answered, ‘Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.’”
Just as fire purifies silver in the refining process, the trials of life refine our character. With God by our side, they bring us new and deeper wisdom, they help us to know the truth versus lies, and they give us the discipline to know what is right and then do it. Above all, these trials help us to realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, not something to be taken for granted, or feel that we are entitled to.
How do we know God is refining us in this way? It’s because we begin to reflect his truths, his values, and his love more and more. Just as the image of the refiner can be seen more clearly in a piece of purified silver, God’s image can be seen more clearly in us.
Prayer for the Day
Creator God, you are faithful and loving. You care for us in both the blessings and the trials of life. Continue to purify me during the difficult times, so that I reflect you and your love; that others may see the Light of Christ and be drawn to his love and salvation. Amen.
In His Service,
Pastor Kim
Scripture: Psalm 66:10 (NIV), “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.”
Many years ago, I heard this story at a women’s Bible study. It is called The Refiner’s Fire.
“As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ‘He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.’ (Malachi 3:3) She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, ‘How do you know when the silver is fully refined?’ He smiled at her and answered, ‘Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.’”
Just as fire purifies silver in the refining process, the trials of life refine our character. With God by our side, they bring us new and deeper wisdom, they help us to know the truth versus lies, and they give us the discipline to know what is right and then do it. Above all, these trials help us to realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, not something to be taken for granted, or feel that we are entitled to.
How do we know God is refining us in this way? It’s because we begin to reflect his truths, his values, and his love more and more. Just as the image of the refiner can be seen more clearly in a piece of purified silver, God’s image can be seen more clearly in us.
Prayer for the Day
Creator God, you are faithful and loving. You care for us in both the blessings and the trials of life. Continue to purify me during the difficult times, so that I reflect you and your love; that others may see the Light of Christ and be drawn to his love and salvation. Amen.
In His Service,
Pastor Kim
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