Refined
Updated: Mar 20, 2023
Refined:
-with impurities or unwanted elements having been removed by process
-developed or improved so as to be precise or subtle Google. (n.d.).
Just like how metal is formed, it goes through a process-crushing, heat, rinsing, filtering, etc.- this is the same when you are refined spiritually. We sometimes may experience pressing, difficulties, sufferings, etc. along our Christian walk. We feel as if we are constantly in a battle-naturally or spiritually. It may feel as if your back is against the wall, no words of encouragement can help-it's just issue after issue. You may have even thought you won the battle, but then the next day something else happens. Stress, anxiety, worry, fatigue piles up and there is just no way out. However, God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 -We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. So we know our suffering is not in vain.
God will have us go through a process for our own salvation. In order to purify us, we have to cleanse. Cleansing may not always be fun, but just like the song lyrics say, “Create in me a clean heart, purify me so that I may worship you” In the end, it's all worth it-it's a beautiful transformation. Every process you go through serves a purpose- a purpose that sometimes you may not understand. It's hard to comprehend why God would allow you to go through things but just know God is always working for His good and yours. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that sufferings produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
Even when it’s a daily battle, encourage yourself that you will win! Once you captivate your mind that what you're going through is only temporary, it makes it easier to get through. God may be birthing something new in you, but it's up to you to allow Him to bring it out.
Everything in life was formed and then grew into what it was supposed to be. We grow older and go through experiences that shape who we are. However with God, He can be the change within us, then everything around us starts to transform. He can restore and make us whole-but it has to be done His way, not on our account. Apart from Him, you can do nothing! What we go through will only make us stronger, so next time you feel as if you're being tossed all around, replace your thoughts with worship because God is doing a new thing for you!
Isaiah 48: 10 - See I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction
Daniel 11:35- Some of the wise will stumble, so that they be may be refined, purified and made spotless until the end of time, for it will still come at the appointed time
James 1: 12- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will relieve the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.google.com/search?q=refined&rlz=1CAVARX_enUS1022US1022&oq=refined&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i433i512l4j0i512j0i433i512j69i61.1735j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
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