Nov 18

Refined

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.” Isaiah 48:10, 11

This is an intriguing scripture, but such a beautiful one. God knew that if he were to refine us as silver to the point of removing all dross, we would be totally consumed in the process. Therefore, God put us in the furnace of affliction that we might turn to Him. That is what He desires from all His people, that we turn to Him and live for Him. He is a merciful God and would never allow us to be consumed by the furnace of life. To do so would bring shame on His name. Would not the heathen say “was their God not strong enough to save His people”, “did He not love His people enough”, etc? It is for His own sake that He does this, not only that His name might be spared, but because He created us for His own pleasure. It is His desire that all man should be saved. (1 Tim 2:4) It is by design that Christ came to save us. It is because God wishes to once again have man walk with Him in the garden as Adam did so long ago in the garden of Eden. We are saved for His sake and for His sake alone.

Father, thank You for sparing us from Your consuming fire. You have placed us in the furnace of affliction that we might turn to You. Thank You for Your grace. We long to walk with You, thank You for that privilege. May we bring You honor and glory for all eternity.  Amen