Warning: Megan might rant and talk in circles

As I sat and drank my coffee this morning and had my quiet time, I was moved by my devotion.  I loved it so much I read a part of it to Brandon.  So, I would like to share it with you.

The story is told of a group of women who met each week to study the Bible, hoping to learn more about the nature and character of God and how He works in our life. The women were puzzled and even a little troubled by the description of God they found in Malachi 3:3, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." One of the women offered to do a little research on the subject and report back to the group at their next meeting. The woman found a local silversmith and made an appointment to observe him at work, explaining that she was particularly interested in the process of refining silver. She watched as the craftsman carefully selected a piece of silver for his demonstration. She thought the piece of silver was already beautiful but evidently the silversmith saw something that she could not see. As he held the silver over the furnace, the craftsman explained that in refining silver, the silver had to be placed in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so all of the impurities would be burned away. 

The woman was silent for a moment as her thoughts drifted to the fiery trials she was facing in her own life. Honestly, she did not get it. Why would a loving God allow His children to suffer when He could so easily deliver them? In fact, why does God even allow bad things to happen to people who are seeking Him and really trying to live for Him? 

The woman asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. "Oh, yes!" he replied. "I cannot take my eyes off the silver. If it is left in the furnace even a moment too long, it will be destroyed." The woman suddenly understood the beauty and comfort of Malachi 3:3, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." 

Yes, there are times when it seems as if we will be swallowed whole by the fires of Hell itself. The pain seems too hard to bear. The fear is paralyzing. The doubt is overwhelming and questions flood our heart and mind. 

Is God really who He says He is? 

Will He really do what He says He will do? 

Will He really keep His promises? 

Our trials are not random persecutions. Heaven is not in a panic and where we are and what we are going through is no surprise to God. We may be knocked down and kicked around by life, but if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will not be destroyed.
Our lives are filled with excess baggage and waste - a cherished sin we refuse to relinquish or an addiction to which we are enslaved. What about the emotional garbage that weighs us down or our unforgiving spirit that holds us prisoner? Fiery trials come to burn away the guilt of sin and then purify our heart. From those ashes of freedom, the Father then creates a work of beauty. 

I believe the words I just wrote. I know and accept the truth that trials and hard times make me stronger and strengthen my faith, but there are times when I want it all to stop. I find myself asking, "How much is enough, Lord? How many trials do I have to endure? When will the pain and trouble end?" 

"How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" the woman asked. The silversmith smiled and answered, "Oh, that's easy. The refining process is complete when I can see my image reflected in the silver." 

God is not committed to our comfort. He is committed to our character. Only God can exchange the ashes of our sin for the beauty of His forgiveness and grace. God alone can replace our despair with His peace that passes all understanding. Hope can only be found in Him. Our purpose in life is to know and become more like Jesus ... and act just like our Father.    

One of my first thoughts was about how much I love the analogy of refining silver.  How neat that you can only refine the silver in the hottest of heat?  How neat that the craftsman never takes his eye off the silver?  How neat that he knows the silver is completely refined once he can see his reflection in it?  Wow, holy cow, I mean, that gave me the chills.

I then wondered how many awesome analogies I miss in the Bible. 

My next thought then went to the heaviness in my heart that I have right now for some that are in the deep heat of the refining process.  I think about an awesome couple who have returned home from adopting 2 precious little boys from Ethiopia.  Momma has gotten sick and has been hospitalized for a few days with dehydration.  I think man, could they not have just been able to come home, exhausted and in such a huge transition and not had to deal with this?  Gheesh.  Pray for them.  You can read more about them at http://themummerts.wordpress.com/.  Then I think about a dear dear friend who has 3 children, one who is special needs, and she is now concerned about her sweet baby girl being delayed as well.  You can read more about her at http://wanibug.blogspot.com/.  My heart is heavy for this folks...extremely.

I would ask that anyone who reads this would please pray for the families I've mentioned.  They are heavy on my heart and I know would appreciate the prayers.

We're all in the refining process.  Boy does it look different for each of us?  In the deep deep heat, is when we are refined...and once we've been refined just right, Christ sees himself in us.  That's pretty cool...beyond cool.

 Malachi 3:3, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."  Knowing He's watching and never leaves during our refinement, to me, is an amazing picture of love, commitment and dedication.