Silver Refining

In an effort to remove impurities, silver refining is a complex process. It may use electrolytes and acids and/or heat. The goal is to produce pure and undefiled silver.

Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” God’s Word is perfectly clean, refined, and free from any defilement. His Word shows us the way to be modest and decent people, free from acts, thoughts, and desires tainted by sin. Just as silver surrenders to the refiner, we surrender to God, allowing Him to remove impurities from our lives.

Opponents Come and Go

Opponents try to prevent us from achieving what we want to do. Opposition comes in many forms and at varying times. It may come in the form of a coworker who resists your efforts to finish the project assigned to you. Opposition may come through the betrayal of a close friend. Our opponent may be a financial setback that prevents us from providing security for our families. In every case, we must find a way through the opponent’s attack.

At the end of his life, Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  (2 Timothy 4:7) With power, faith, endurance, love, and wisdom from God, don’t ever give up fighting for truth, good, and God.

Immovable

Due to my age and weakness, many things seem immovable. Some pieces of furniture appear daunting to me, as far as moving them. However, I have never tried to move something that is truly immovable, like a huge mountain.

Psalm 125:1-2 says, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which can not be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” When we trust the Lord, He makes our ways secure. Then, He surrounds us with His protection so that we will not be swayed by the evils of this world.

Service Attitude

Soon after you walk into a business, you can tell a lot about their service attitudes. Do they greet you with a heartfelt and attentive salutation, or do they ignore you until you arrive at the register? Do they go above and beyond in serving you, or do they help, but only begrudgingly? God welcomes us with love and faithfulness.

Psalm 69:13 says, “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” God answers our prayers with perfect timing because of His abundant steadfast love and saving faithfulness toward us.

Daunting Task

When faced with a daunting task, I have a choice to make. I can choose to soldier on and do the best that I can. The results are often disappointing when I try this option. Or, I can try to ignore the task and hope that it just goes away. This option generally just makes the task grow larger over time. A third option is to turn to God for strength and help. Of course, this option works best as it draws upon God’s strength and wisdom. 

Isaiah 35:3-4 says, “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Sometimes we face an obstacle or task, but we feel too weak to do it. In those times, God comes with His full strength to help those who trust Him.