The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold, but the one who purifies hearts ⌞by fire⌟ is the Lord.
Proverbs 17:3 GW
“Is My word not like fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”
Jeremiah 23:29 NASB2020
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.
1 Peter 4:12-13 NASB2020
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:29 NKJV
Have you been tested lately? Get used to it. Enjoy the process and grow.
Rejoice in your suffering. It means God has found you worthy to be tested to see how genuine your faith is. God already knows the answer. The testing proves to yourself how unshakeable your faith is. That is where spiritual maturity is refined and genuine character is revealed.
A crucible is a container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. The extreme heat burns out the impurities. The dross is removed and all that remains is pure and unadulterated.
A crucible is also a metaphorical term for a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.
I keep hearing that we’re in the new. God is doing a new thing. Old ways no longer suffice. Religion is worthless to save us or guide us in this new era of extreme disruption and innovation. God wants us to walk with Him, not trust in our systems or institutions.
The evidence is all around. Lawlessness is increasing. The love of many has grown cold. But for those who walk in the fire, who do not run from the presence of God, they will not be burned, but instead shine with the radiant glory of God.
God is refining His children. He is preparing a people to host His presence continually. This is nothing new, only the pace of change has accelerated.
If you look at the natural, you will know, things aren’t like they used to be. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Nations will rise and nations will fall. Because of our sinful nature, we are reaping what we sowed.
How we view this depends on our paradigm. Worldly people will be dismayed as they watch everything they hold dear fall away. Believers will rejoice as we anticipate the return of the Lord and the reconciliation of all things back to God through Christ.
Great change is upon us. Great trials and tribulations will continue to be upon this world. It doesn’t get better. The heat will just keep getting hotter. Abandon all hope of things going back to the good old days. Place all your hope in the Lord.
Lord, we rejoice in our suffering for we know it is only light and momentary compared to the glory which is to come. Give us unshakeable faith and boldness to declare Your Word until you come. To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
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