God as my refiner

When thinking of what people do, a silversmith does not typically pop into my head. Most of the time, job titles such as teachers, trainers, administrators, dentists and doctors consume my mind almost instantly. But after thinking about what a silversmith does, my mind found a parallel between a silversmith and God…
A silversmith refines silver. He places a piece of silver into the middle of a burning flame to burn out all impurities. Immediately the first parallel came into thought: I am placed in the middle of a flame (a trial/struggle) to burn away my impurities, or sin. God is my refiner because He is helping me and purifying the daughter that I am. A silversmith also has to watch the silver the whole time it is being refined because if he doesn’t, the silver will be destroyed. The second parallel: God is with me through my trials and struggles, holding me closely and directing me what to do. Lastly, a silversmith knows his silver is done when he can see his reflection. The third parallel: I should mirror God’s character. It is through my trials and “fires” that I am refined and purified to be more like God.

It is crazy to think that in exchange for my sin, His grace saves and builds me. I cannot be defeated by Satan’s lies or the strongholds in this world, when I have God. In my moments of despair and lowest points, God is STILL working through me. Its sometimes hard to believe that through these times, God is changing me for the good and refining me to be more like Him. God is equipping me with His character and strength. He is preparing me for more of life’s struggles. I know while I am here on earth, I will struggle always BUT each time something comes up, I will be better prepared to handle and endure the trial, how beautiful!

Malachi 3:3 “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” God is sitting, watching and changing me. My hope rests assured in Him and my despair is replaced with His surpassing peace.