“If you burn away the impurities from silver, a sterling vessel will emerge from the fire.” Proverbs 25:4 TPT

‘For instance: silver is heated in fire; as it melts, the dross rises to the surface where the silversmith skims it off. The silver is heated again, this time at a higher temperature which brings more dross to the surface. The impurities are skimmed once more, and the process repeats, over and over, until the silversmith can see his likeness reflected in the silver.’ Zipper Sippola @quora.com

When I was very young in my new relationship with Jesus in my late teens I had such a sense that now, NOW all the world would be right. Now I had God on my side to protect me, guide me, bless me, lead me in a straight path for my feet. I had such a sense that now…NOW…I was safe.

I was so young and naïve that I did not realize several things: 1. Life is hard. 2. Life is hard. And 3. Life is hard.

I also did not realize that making my life an easy glide with as few bumps as possible was not at all on the Lord’s agenda. Rather, MUCH rather, He was interested in forming my character into a strong and dynamic woman. A woman who had experienced loss, so that she could empathize with sincerity those who were grieving loss. A woman who had experienced physical pain, so that when she saw someone suffering she would run to their side to assist them anyway she could. A woman whose heart had been broken a few times, so that she could learn that her joy was never meant to be in any one man…but rather in THE MAN, Jesus. A woman who had been tried, as if by fire, time and time again. In each successive fire, Christ would be formed in her more and more.

In every trial, I learned. I learned to trust. I learned to lean. I leaned so hard on God and on His promises, that if He took His hand away, I would fall.

I never fell. In every storm, for every need, for every loss, His strength was there to uphold me. His love was there to comfort me. His peace was there to guide me and His overcoming joy became my strength.

The book of James tells us: Count it all joy my brothers and sisters when you fall into trials. Know that the trying of your faith produces patience. And if you let patience have its perfect work, you will be perfect and entire…wanting nothing.

When I look over the decades of my life I am very aware that God is working a work in me. This knowledge causes me to have such hope for my future. My future, in Him, is secure. It will be good. This is my faith and my trust. I lean on You, Lord. You do all things well.

If the fires of life cause me to reflect Your face more clearly to others, then Lord, bring the heat. I want You to be seen, in me.

~ Debbie Ecker