Purification

“For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver.” Psalm 66:10
Silver is purified in the fire. It is heated up until it melts, at which point all the impurities come to the surface as dross. The silversmith removes the dross, and keeps the fire hot until the silver is purified. He knows when it is done, because he can see the reflection of his face in it. So too with God as He purifies us. The fire is only for a time, and although it isn’t pleasant, it is achieving a greater purpose.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 tells us about how our works will be tested by fire. Only those done with pure motives will survive and be rewarded; the rest are burned up.
It can be difficult to face troublesome times. But if we can learn to accept it as God’s way of purifying us, of removing the dross from our lives, it becomes so much more bearable. We are able to say, like Job, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).