February 9

The Dross Purged

This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’ — Zech 13:9 BSB

Grace transforms us into precious metal, and then the fire and the furnace naturally follow. Are we startled by this? Would we rather be considered worthless, so we could rest like stones in a field? That would be choosing the lesser part—like Esau, trading the birthright for a bowl of stew. No, Lord; we would rather be cast into the furnace than be cast out of Your presence!

The fire refines; it doesn’t destroy. We are to be brought through the fire, not left in it. The Lord values His people as silver, and so He takes the time to purify them. If we are wise, we will welcome the refining process rather than try to avoid it. Our prayer should be that our impurities are removed rather than that we are spared from the fire.

O Lord, You test us indeed! We feel ready to melt under the heat of the flame. Still, this is Your way, and Your way is best. Sustain us through the trial and complete our purification, and we will be Yours forever.