Sometimes it feels like we’re going through the fire. Circumstances are challenging, things seem to be mounting up against us and we’re wondering what’s going on. And when we’re in the middle of it, it can be hard to remember that good can come from it. One good thing is that it helps us to be empathetic towards others. We can’t be empathetic if we’ve not experienced the things that other people are experiencing. Jesus experienced family conflict, rejection, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger. He’s experienced what we experience so He knows how we feel. ‘Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted’ (Hebrews 2:18 NIV). Not only does He understand what we’re going through, He also promises to be with us through it. And on top of that, He uses the fire to purify us. Job said, ‘when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold’ (Job 23:10 NIV). When gold is heated, impurities are removed and after a while the gold comes out pure. So when we’re in the fire, God can be removing all the things that shouldn’t be there and we come out pure. While this process may seem uncomfortable for us, we shouldn’t forget that while we come out as pure gold, we also go in as gold. We’re treasure before the process even starts. Don’t fight the time in the fire. Let the process happen and see what God can do in us, and through us, from it.

What now?
Watch a short video on YouTube about refining gold. Spend some time thanking God that He’s working in us to refine and purify us.