Proverbs 17:3

Proverbs 17:3 (ESV):  “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.”

A.W. Tozer once said, “The fire of God is not just judgment—it is purification. It burns away the dross so that the pure gold of Christ’s likeness may remain.” Don’t despise the trials in your life—God is using them to purify your heart.

Solomon speaks to his sons about one of the most difficult subjects: trials. Just as fire is used to burn away impurities in precious metals, so too are trials used to purify the heart. God allows them in our lives to reveal what is impure within us. Solomon is helping his sons understand that if a trial is allowed—or even ordained—by God, then it is ultimately a good thing. They must realize that God’s intention is to burn away the evil in their hearts—and there is no other way but by fire.

How do you handle the trials in your life? Do you despise them or embrace them? Do you consider them annoying or count them as pure joy?  Know this: God is trying to make you more like Jesus, and that requires trials. He may not orchestrate every difficult situation, but He will use each one to refine us. He doesn’t tempt us—but He does test us!  The next time you go through a trial, pay close attention to your heart. Watch for the impurities God reveals, and then ask Him to purify you in those areas. Trials aren’t fun, but they are beneficial. Amen?

Father, we thank You for the refiner’s fire that reveals our impurities. Help us, when we react sinfully to trials, to repent swiftly. Purify our hearts, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.