Refining Fire

Daily Gratitude Year 7 - Day 54: Today, I am grateful for fires that refine. 

This year, my "one little word" to focus on is "burning". I tried to find another word, but this one persisted relentlessly...and I submitted. It was likely the urging of the Holy Spirit, so... I continue to look for the lessons and the learning that spark from the fires of daily living. 

"You can't be refined without going through the fire." -Christian Bosse 

To be refined by fire makes me think of any raw material that changes when put to the flame. I am fascinated with the art of blowing glass. Watching artisans at work is mesmerizing. The beautiful things they create are worthy of a special place on the mantle. 

I easily forget when looking at beautiful, finished creations, that each one is the result of a great fire burning. The raw material, the flame and burning heat and the master's touch come together to create a unique piece of glass art. Each one is a work of heart. (The Jack Pine Studio in Ohio creates these gorgeous pieces.)

In the same way, we are all raw material in the Master's hand. There are times it takes fire to shape us and refine us. When we offer our lives in service... as a living sacrifice... to go where he leads and to be His hands and feet... we are making our lives an offering. Raw material in His hands. 

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" -Romans 12:1-2

Yes, our God is a consuming fire, but in a way that refines us. 

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  for our God is a consuming fire."-Hebrews 12:28-29

Our hope is in Jesus. 

My Bible study is in Job this month. It has been a long, weighty walk through the fires with Job. What a refining fire it turns out to be. Job's character in the most horrible season of his life is strong. Even when broken, he says this:

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him;"Job 13:15a

Job lost all ten of his children in one day. All seven sons and three daughters and their families. How do we even begin to understand that kind of a refining fire? 

Thank God that by his merciful hand, most of us will never experience that kind of loss. Still, we all lose loved ones and find ourselves in other broken places. Thank God for his artisan's hands that can make something beautiful out of our messes, when we trust His heart. 

Today, I am grateful for fires that refine.