Fireproof

SUMMARY: Grace transforms us into precious metal but it requires us to go through fire and furnace which is a necessary process. We should not choose to be considered unworthy and rest like stones, but rather welcome the refining process. The Lord values us as silver and removes our dross. We should pray to suppress our alloy rather than be removed from the crucible. We should trust in the Lord's process of purification.

Grace transmutes us into precious metal, and then fire and furnace follow as a necessary consequence. Do we start at that point? Would we prefer to be considered unworthy so that we could enjoy rest, like the stones of the field? This would be to choose the most vile part: like Esau, it would be to take the pottage and renounce the portion of the covenant. No, Lord, we would rather be joyfully thrown into the furnace than thrown out of Your presence!

Fire only refines, it does not destroy. We are to be led through the fire, and we will not be left there. The Lord values His people as silver, and therefore He goes to the trouble of removing their dross. If we are wise, we will rather welcome the refining process rather than reject it. Our prayer will be that our alloy will be suppressed in us rather than that we will be removed from the crucible.

Oh Lord, You really test us! We are ready to melt under the fierce flames. However, this is the way, and Your way is the best. Hold us in the test, and complete the process of our purification, and we will be Yours forever and ever.

Source: The Bank of Faith Checkbook. Translation by Allan Roman.

http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/febrero.pdf