LFCC Loving Life Fall 2015 Magazine volume 9 | Page 15

According to the definition found in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a fire can also be
defined as a “severe trial or ordeal.” Truly Job, one of God’s most faithful servants, was
thrown into the fire. Gradually, Job lost everything (including his land, animals, possessions,
and health) and everyone (including his wife, children, and friends). Yet, Job stood firm in his
faith in God and knew that the fire would not consume him, but would actually refine him.
“…He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job
23:10). When Job recommitted himself by showing obedience to God by praying for others,
he not only came out of the fire, but everything that he had lost was restored. Job’s season of
refreshing by fire ended in greatness. “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for
his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before…Now the Lord blessed
the latter days of Job more than his beginning “ (Job 42: 10, 12).
Do you feel as though you are in the fiery furnace? Are you going through a severe trial
or ordeal? Instead of being upset, angry, and distraught, have faith and know that this is your
season of refreshing—by fire. God has already promised to protect and preserve us in the fire.
“…When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch
you” (Isaiah 43:2). Know that God has a purpose for the fire. God may be using the fire to
refresh you and reinforce your faith, in preparation for elevation. Perhaps God is using the fire
to refresh your commitment to Him, in preparation for restoration.
So do not fear the fire, but have faith that you are actually in a time of refreshing, and
that you can be restored, renewed, and refined. “For You, O God, have tested us; You have
refined us as silver is refined” (Psalm 66:10). Thank God for this Time of Refreshing and
Expect the Great things that will be bestowed upon you as you emerge from the flames.