REFINE

All that comes to mind when I hear the word “refine” is the verse about how God refines us like gold in the fire to burn away all the excess to get us to our best (Zechariah 13:9).

I spend many, many years in that fire. Sometimes I would simply pray that I wouldn’t come out smelling like smoke.

During those times other verses like those found in Isaiah 43 would comfort me. Those tell us that even “when we walk through the fire, we shall not be burned, the fire will not set us ablaze” because God will be with us (Isaiah 43: 1-5). I clung to those verses and that promise during the refining years.

And you know what? Every word was true. Even though I felt like I might not make it. Like this next day was going to be the one to push me over the edge, God’s promises were true. Always.

If you’re in a refining season, I encourage you to look to God. Oh, sister, I know it’s hard. I know you want to quit and through in the towel because it’s half way burned anyway. I know there are many dark days when everything, everything, looks hopeless.

But I promise you God’s word is true. He keeps his promises. Cling to them. Cling to them. And on the other side may you not smell like smoke but his precious refined rose.

I’m  participating in Five Minute Friday over on Kate’s blog to give myself a little break from my regular writing on overacup.org.  Five Minute Friday is writing for five minutes, one word, no stopping no editing. If you’d like to read more posts on the word for this week, come join us on Kate’s blog. We’d love to have you! 

Another post on Refine that you might like… Sara E. Frazer Love her perspective on finding it in the ordinary.