What is Your Choice -- Dumpster Fire or Refiner’s Fire?

Scripture:  I Peter 1:7 - 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 honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:    Isaiah 43:2 - When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

This past year has been a year like none other for everyone.  Thinking about the trials, losses/grief, accomplishments/failures, mountain top/valley low occurrences that you have experienced, did you see them according to the Lord’s perspective – and go through  the Lord’s “refiner’s fire” in a way that glorified the Lord?  Regretfully, I did not respond properly to some of my experiences.  I discarded some of my experiences in a so-called dumpster fire.  The definition of dumpster fire is – an utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence. When I don’t learn from trials in my life, they tend to repeat themselves in various ways.  

All trials are designed to do several things:  they prove our faith, develop our faith, and if we deal with our trials properly, they give honor, praise, and glory to our Savior  (from the Tony Evans Study Bible notes).  You never know how you will respond in situations until you are actually in a trial.  How we respond to trials show/prove the genuineness of our faith.  Our “heavenly goldsmith” desires to change/refine our character.  

A “refiner’s fire” does not destroy metal, but it takes away the junk and makes the metal more valuable.  Similarly, God wants to refine/purify us.  As we are in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, He wants to draw us away from our sins/sinful ways/attitude.  God uses suffering, our shortcomings, to refine us.  This process is called a “refiner’s fire.” It is needed so that the dross/waste matter/sin within our hearts can be removed.  He wants our hearts to be pure – totally devoted to Him.  

Peter truly learned about eventually responding right to trials.  In his pride, he once said that he would never fall away from Jesus.  He was asked three times if he was a follower of Jesus.  Three times he denied Jesus (Luke 22:59-62).  He was tested, and he failed the test.  This situation revealed to Peter his pride.  Peter was humbled, and God restored him.  Then Peter was used by God mightily.  As we humble ourselves and repent when the Lord shows us our sin or lack of faith, our faith will be developed.  Then we can glorify our Savior!  

When we go through a trial, we shouldn’t think it is strange or unusual.  I Peter 4:12-13 says Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 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. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).  We should always examine ourselves – asking the Lord “What do you want me to learn from this situation? Please encourage my heart.  Show me Your ways.  Help me to make right decisions and have the right attitude as I am going through this trial.  Help me to be more of a reflector of Your light. Even though trials are difficult or painful, we have to remember that Isaiah 43:2 says When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  

What is your choice in dealing with your trials: to discard/ignore what you are going through and not learn anything from them, and/or get bitter about your situation (which equals “dumpster fire”) OR to ask the Lord to give you the right attitude about your trials – trusting the Lord to change you in the process of your ordeals (which equals a “refiner’s fire”)?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Help me to respond correctly while You are changing me in the “refiner’s fire”. :   Help me to remember  Isaiah 43:2 - When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.

(by Marsha Williams)