Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Refiner's Fire

It might seem strange to tell you that this evening, at our special Thanksgiving service at church, I gave thanks for something that has been very painful for me this year ~ and at times I wasn't even sure I would survive it ~ that painful thing is God’s Refining Fire. Yet if it were not for this painful thing, I would not be on the journey I am on today.

Have you ever heard the song The Refiner’s Fire? I'm not even sure who penned the song ~ I first heard it on a music CD I purchased from the West Coast Baptist College Chorale Group. I reckon I’ve listened to the song a cazillion times ~ and each time it speaks to me. I know that I know that I know that to be more like my Lord ~ the refiner’s fire is most necessary in my life. Still yet I struggle with an aspect of the process ~ and it is worded well in the chorus of this song ~ "No matter what I may lose I choose the Refiner’s Fire." That is a hard one for me. And I’m not talking about material loss ~ but rather the loss of a precious loved one. Can I completely entrust my greatest earthly treasures to Him? Can I give it all - no matter the cost? I would like to think that I could and yet the thought does scare me. I do know this ~ the life within the refining process far far exceeds the life I once lived outside of it.
There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flames
And those who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by the sufferings
On the anvil of His will

I'm learning now to trust His touch
To crave the fire's embrace
For though my past with sin was etched
His mercies did erase
Each time His purging cleanses deeper
I'm not sure that I'll survive
Yet the strength in growing weaker
Keeps my hungry soul alive

Chorus ~
The Refiner’s Fire has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s Fire.
For He knoweth the way that I take, and when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

8 Thoughts On The Matter:

susansspace said...

I've never heard this version of'The Refiner's Fire', but I'll bet if you Google it & type in youtube with the title, you'll probably find it there somewhere.
Good luck!
Also, I love the way you match such appropriate pictures with your postings!
Have a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving, Cathryn!
S: )

Anonymous said...

What beautiful words. I'm glad you were able to give thanks even for the hardest thing. I still have so much to learn from you.

~~Deby said...

I love this song..I have it on a CD, think by Tina Green...beautiful....yeppp...things can sure be tough, we both know that...GOD is good and we are in the process.
Deby

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I know from experience it can be difficult to remember, but God is actually showing his love to his children by disciplining us. It sounds like you have been through a lot. Remember, though, that troubles are not always a result of sin in our lives.

Jessica said...

Great post and great blog! What a great love of the lord I feel here. I have just joined the blog roll and I feel as if I were with my church family. Thanks for the comment. God Bless!

Michele Williams said...

I love this song! Beautiful! You have a great blog. Thank you so much for blessing me....Thank you for your well wishes for my big day... Happy Thanksgiving.

Jessica said...

Wow! Thanks for the encouragement. I would be happy for you to use anything you find on my page. The most important thing is spreading the WORD. I pray that you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. ;)

Theresa's Notes said...

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!