The Refiner's Fire

A phrase, the refiner's fire keeps coming to mind at this time. Over and over, it repeats and I wonder why. And yet, the timing seems to make sense.

This phrase reminds me of one of my favorite TV shows - Forged in Fire where, weekly, contestants who are metal workers or forgers or what we used to call blacksmiths, are challenged with making a knife under harsh conditions and in short time frames. They are given a lump of hard metal or objects they must remake into a solid piece of metal. They heat the metal to very high temperatures, pound on it, shape it and then cool it, in an effort to make an instrument that is useful, effective and attractive.

Sometimes, after going through the process, the forger tests the knife, and experience tells him the knife is not strong enough. Again, the knife is heated and, again, plunged in oil to cool it.

These recently forged knives are then put through many paces to test their resiliency and effectiveness. After the judges pound on these newly-made knives and test them by stabbing holes in metal canisters or blocks of ice, the knives must still cut and hold their edges. It is a given that all knives, no matter how strong, may end up with chipped edges, or a cracked handle, but they stay in the competition unless the blade breaks.

If a blade fails, there is always a reason. While the forger tries his or her best, there may have been unclean elements in the steel used, or the forger did not effectively temper the blade through the extreme heating and cooling process. The blade may warp or might not cut effectively. Honestly, with all the pounding done on those pieces of metal, it is miraculous that most stand up to the rigorous tests. But they do – because of the extreme heating and molding of the metal. And, on some level, because of the forger's sense of concern and care for and pride in the creation.

The analogy to our lives seems so evident. We cannot become a purposeful, strong and focused being or a tool to be used for good without going through the forger’s fire. We must withstand trials, sometimes extreme, to be the best we can be. Without testing, how would we ever know our true capabilities? And how, when an even stronger tempest comes against us, can we endure without the initial trials we experienced?

One thing is sure - The refiner’s fire and the repeated hammering are uncomfortable, and we may sustain some chips along the way. But once we come out the other side, it is obvious that we are no longer what we once were. We are stronger than we were before, we are more effective and efficient, and we know ourselves better.

At some time, we may curse God for the trials we are given or feel a victim. I have found that it is a loving God who wants us to be our best selves and, through his matchless wisdom, He knows what we can bear.

We are told we are never tested beyond what we can handle. Knowing this, then, we must also reason that our God knows each of us, in utmost detail and even through our discomfort, anguish and sorrow, we can take comfort in the fact that we are each loved as His child might be. It is only a supremely loving parent who can, even as He did with His only begotten son, let the trials, for reasons known to Him, take place.

And, being given the power of prayer, the word of God in scripture, the promptings of Spirit that whisper to us, if we listen, we are always within God's grace to ask for protection and strength and faith to withstand whatever comes our way.

God is the ultimate blacksmith. The refiner's fire of affliction purifies us, increases our character and prepares us for perfection in this life and the next.