| Just as silver and gold ores are refined by fire in order to remove the impurities, so “the Lord trieth the hearts” of His redeemed people by the fires of trials and testings. “Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; Thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Yes, “the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins,” and “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,” “and refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried.” So, “beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy,” “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” |
