I Don’t Really Want to be Refined by Fire

Our God is described as an all-consuming fire, and yet we don’t think that we should have to be refined in the crucible of His plan. At times, He will give us the “bread of adversity” or “water of affliction”, yet He will not hide himself from us during these times. 

It is for the good of our souls to experience challenges, and He knows precisely what we need to become more like Christ. This often requires a burning away of our selfish, sinful, fallen nature much like the dross is burned away when precious metals are heated to a high temperature.

He provides strength for us in the midst of “affliction in every way” so that we will be pressed but not crushed; I find that this is a great paradox of faith. Far too often, we believe the fallacy that coming to Christ will make our lives easier.

If anything, the opposite is true. Our lives will be filled with challenges that God wants to use to refine us to become more like Him. This allows us to be used more fully for His purposes rather than our own selfish interests. 

If we don’t want to be refined by fire, can God use us to the extent others need? 

Why not submit to His will, plan, and purpose? His way is always better than ours.