Refining process - Trial of Faith Series

Trial of Faith - Refining process

Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried and chosen you in the furnace of affliction

One of the difficult processes of the various trials of faith involve a deep cleansing of the heart of the saint of God. The Psa 17:3 reminds us that there indeed is a God who visits us to test us and to prove us! And His tests involve a refining process.

1 Peter 1:7 says - The trial of our faith is like the purification of precious gold. The refining of gold involves extreme heat which separates the pure gold from the base metals which are united into the matrix of the gold ore. (Jer 9:7says:  I will melt them and try them! Isa 1:25 says he will purge away the dross and take away the tin)  God sees in us the ability to hold the divine substance (nature of God). This is why He created us in His image and likeness. From the day that he saved us through faith in Jesus Christ, He is at work cleansing our heart from all filthiness of flesh. The refining process is designed to separate the base from the holy. That's why Job knew despite his many trials that once he is tested, he shall come forth as pure gold (Job 23:10)

Zec 13:9 reminds us that he will refine us like silver and test us like gold - before he calls us His people and His children. Mal 3:3 says: God shall purify the levites (a picture of the new testament royal priesthood) before His coming (so that the day of His coming will be hope & joy for us and not judgment). Many of our life circumstances are tailor-made to complete the good work that he has started in us.

Indeed most of the saints of God came to know Jesus personally as they went through difficult trials of refining in their life. Isa 48:10 says: behold I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. Dear friend, take heart. the Lord knows what he is doing. 1 Pet 4:12 is our strong hope in trials - don't be surprised at the trial that you are going through. It's not something strange and unique for you. All saints of God go through it. You will not be tested beyond your ability and along with every trial, he will make a way of escape. If you hold onto Jesus, he will see you through the trial and you will emerge better finer and stronger (and more Christ-like) through it all. God bless!