Scripture of the Week - Week 4

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

A good friend of mine forwarded a story to me today - normally I do not read forwards, but felt inclined to read this one. It was about the process involved in refining silver. I have heard about this process before, and it always affects me the same way. The story references Malachi 3:3 ("He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.") and is comparing God to a silver refiner. Here are some quick highlights:

He (the silversmith) explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

Neato story - to think that God has that much control over our circumstances, and that he allows just the right amount of "fire" to mold us into who He wants us to be - into little Christs (Christians).

It's good to know that no matter what happens to us, God is in control and will use it to make us more like Him.

A quote from my devotion today:
"Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name."