Zechariah 13:9 NASB2020
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

A refining process actually removes impurities and unwanted by-products, making them useful. When I read that definition, something exploded in me.

One could say that the journey we’re on as Christians is ridding us of anything that hinders us from being useful to the kingdom of God. Anything.

I believe that there are few people who welcome this refinement. But it’s necessary if we’re to be His sons and daughters. The realization that we are not of this world but simply here to be useful.

Jesus said we should let our light shine before men so it would glorify God. Not so we can be seen, but that He can be seen.

When was the last time you praised God for the pain you went through? For the losses you experienced? Saying, not my will but yours be done. Jesus as the example, not in words but in deed.

The pressure we must endure to rid ourselves of the useless stuff isn’t painless. It’s not fun. It doesn’t feel good or look good. But it’s necessary for God to reach the lost and wake the sleeper.

God said of those tested, we will call and He will answer. He will call us His people and we will say, He’s our God.

Sandy G