Malachi 3:3 - He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
A few ladies were meeting to study the scriptures when they came upon the remarkable statement above. One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.
She went and without telling the silversmith the reason for her visit, begged him to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had described it to her, she asked,
"Sir, do you watch while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes maam," replied the silversmith. "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the statement, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
God sees it as necessary to put his children into the furnace but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question,
"How do you know when the process is finished?"
"Oh, thats quite simple," replied the silversmith "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete." ~ Author Unknown
