The Silversmith

Some time ago, a few women met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

Malachi 3:3

And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver

One woman 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, asked the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. 

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were the hottest as to burn all the impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought about the verse in Malachi. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. 

"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 damaged."

The woman 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 woman asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"

He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy --- when I see my image in it.”

~Author Unknown~

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"That which burns brightly must first endure fire"
Victor Frankl