Michael continues: A daily devotional “Come Away with Me” said, I deepen you in the furnace of affliction and prove you in the refining fire of trial and tribulation. Lean hard upon me and I will deliver you through what this present moment seems like a wind of destruction. My restoration will follow. I have you in my own intensive care. Therefore draw upon the resources of my grace. Then you will go through the trial with a singing spirit. Peace in the midst of the trial is in The comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “refine” as: To purify, as the mind or moral principles; to give or implant in the mind a nice perception of truth, justice and propriety in commerce and social intercourse. This nice perception of what is right constitutes rectitude of principle, or moral refinement of mind; and a correspondent practice of social duties, constitutes rectitude of conduct or purity of morals. Hence, we speak of a refined mind, refined morals, refined principles. To refine the heart or soul, to cleanse it from all carnal or evil affections and desires and implant in it holy or heavenly affections.
Through the trial and tribulation, tribulation works patience and patience reveals the proven Character of God, and this experience produces hope … that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory that shall follow. And the Hope of heaven makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.
The world looks at trials and tribulations as problems. However from God’s perspective these trials are opportunities to know the meaning of hope and the love of God. Life’s greatest lessons are learned through the furnace of God’s refining fire. Then the dross and slag of the contamination of this world will be burned away. What endures is the character of God himself, the fruit of the Spirit of life in Christ ... Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
Through God’s refining fire, we can sing to the praise of the glory of His grace! For thy strength is made perfect in my weakness, thy grace is sufficient for me! A refining fire from God, that we may rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Therefore, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures forever. May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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