Removing Impurities

God is Holy

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; ... Malachi 3:3

Let’s face it - No one likes to change their ways or habits, no matter how destructive they may be or how necessary. While the status quo is always easiest, deep down, we all admit there are some things we’d like to change about ourselves. Maybe it’s having more patience with a co-worker, or having a higher level of integrity at work; maybe it’s being more of a team player, or being more charitable….

The bible tells us that God is constantly at work refining our character. Just like the silversmith that removes impurities in metal over a blazing fire, God places us in hot spots to perfect our character. Daily, we can find ourselves in situations that challenge us to move in a new direction, to extend grace, forgiveness, or a helping hand when we would not otherwise. We have two choices – to stay on the same path or to be like Jesus in our thoughts and actions. But how many of us choose the latter? If we trust God and obey His word at times of testing, we will find that just like silver, imperfections in our character are removed allowing His reflection in our life to become real and visible to those around us.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Because God is holy, He continues to perfect our character through difficult circumstances.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

God is Unchanging

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

There seems to be some optimism as we move forward through this pandemic; indicators are starting to look better. You could say there appears to be a “light at the end of the tunnel”. For some, this could mean regaining employment or closing a deal; for others, recovery from an illness, addiction or a broken relationship. But while we long for things to change for the better, we all know there is no guarantee that the good times will last forever.

But, there is one guarantee that we should never forget–God’s promise to us that no matter what the sin, circumstance or struggle, Jesus will be there for us. He was sent from God to save us from our sins, to heal our pain and redeem us. The one thing we know for sure is we can trust God – For He is unchanging, consistent, the beginning and the end, no matter what the circumstance. He is the light at the end of our tunnel that will never fail.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Because God is unchanging, through Jesus Christ we can trust that God is always with us.