Seasons of Refining and Transformation

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 3:18

Have you been through a season of refining and transformation?  Seasons of refining can be quite difficult.  These seasons can leave us with many unanswered questions.  During the midst of the refining we are often unable to see the reason, the purpose for the refining; but often afterwards, we are able to look back as the LORD reveals His purpose.  Then there are seasons of refining that we will never understand the purpose of the refining, until we reach our eternal home. 

We are ultimately being refined to be conformed to the image of Christ.  The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ.  This process will not be complete until we are ushered into our Heavenly Home and see Jesus face to face.  Knowing that Christ is molding us into His image should help us to surrender to the work of God in our lives.  Romans 8:28-29 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sister. 

Scripture reveals that we are the clay and our Heavenly Father is the potter.  Isaiah 64:8 – Yet you, LORD, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. During the transformation process, the pressing and molding might be unpleasant.  But we must remember that our LORD is sovereign, He loves us more than we can even comprehend.  During this molding process, hold on to the promises of your Savior and LORD.  Allow Scripture to soothe your hurting soul.  We do not have to understand to submit to the molding from our LORD.  Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  Some works of God we will never understand until we are ushered in to eternity, but we can rest in knowing that we can trust our Savior and LORD.  Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Trials refine our character and bring us a new and deeper wisdom.  Trials also help us realize that life is a precious gift from God.  Whatever the trial you may be facing, Almighty God is with you.  There will be deliverance from the trial, either in this life or in our eternal home.  Without testing we would never know what we are capable of doing, nor would we grow spiritually.  Prayerfully ask God to help you submit to the refiner’s fire.  Allow your trials to refine your faith and purify your heart.  1 Peter 1:7 – These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

When we are in the midst of the refiner’s fire, we can have confidence that Almighty God knows, plans, and directs our lives for good.  Our Savior and LORD is leading us to a better future.  Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  When in the midst of the refiner’s fire, we can also have courage.  Jesus is with us and will not abandon us.  Deuteronomy 31:8 – The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. 

Prayerfully ask God to fill you with strength and courage as you submit to the refiner’s fire. 

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to submit to You when we are in the refining fire.  Allow us a glimpse of Your mercy and grace during the difficult times.  I pray that we will draw closer to You and allow Your Word to soothe our parched souls.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen.