Let Him Refine You

“Women of Purpose,

God desires for you to walk before Him blameless and with a pure heart. Matthew 5:8 says, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’

Many people read this scripture and misinterpret the meaning of the word ‘pure.’ Pure in this context doesn’t simply mean sincere or upright. It means refined. It’s the direct result of going through what the Bible terms ‘the furnace of affliction,’ where you are tested, tried, and purified, and come out as gold. God uses trials, tribulations, and persecutions in our lives to refine us.

‘Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction,’ (Isaiah 48:10-12).

‘But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold,’ (Job 23:10).

This reward of seeing God not only means physically being able to see him, but the eyes of your understanding open to see Him in the midst of darkness. You can see and recognize God even in the most difficult circumstances when it seems like He is not present but He is there. In fact, He could be behind the very darkness you feel He is absent in. While the enemy thinks he is working evil to destroy you, God is working in a higher way, allowing hardship to work towards your good and ultimate end of being saved and inheriting eternal life.

‘Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing,’ (James 1:3-4).

Rejoice when you go through trials and tribulations that test your faith. God is purifying your heart, removing the impurities that distort your vision and opening your eyes that you may see Him and know Him. Don’t reject His refining process. You will come forth as gold and the Lord Himself will be your reward!

‘Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,’ (Psalm 139:23-24).”

~David E. Taylor~