This was sent to us by Robert Fox
And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver
Purifier of Silver
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading
the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in
the
third verse: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
(Malachi
3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what
he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling him
the
reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process
of
refining silver.
After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while
the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes ma'am," 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 expression, "He shall
sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it 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 complete?"
"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own
image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
