“And I will put this third into the fire,
and refine them as one refines silver,
and test them as gold is tested.
They will call upon my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
– Zechariah 13:9
God tests and refines His people throughout the Bible and throughout history. Over and over again, we see God’s people collectively grow weak in their faith and be drawn more to the things of the world and the desires of their hearts than toward God. When that happens, God brings hard times on His people. Times that push them past their ability to endure on their own and require them to depend on Him. Times that take away the pretty things of the world we like to collect so we can see the true beauty of knowing God. We’re told repeatedly in Scripture that these times are good.
During these seasons of trial, many who claim to be God’s people fall away. Their hearts are more attached to temporary things than to the eternal. They are more drawn to what they want than to their Creator and what He desires for them. They want comfort and approval from people more than they want eternal joy in God’s presence. Time and time again, when the testing has come, most of “God’s people” have fallen away. However, He has always preserved and blessed a remnant. Scripture makes clear that this is a good thing.
That faithful remnant isn’t broken by the testing. They are refined. Their faith grows strong. Their walk with God grows confident. Their love for God and assurance of His love for them becomes rock-solid. They become God’s faithful witnesses to the rising generations. They become the building blocks for the future. They are God’s chosen people, treasured possession, and royal ambassadors.
We (the church) are probably in such a season of testing and refinement right now in this country. If we aren’t, one is certainly coming soon. Devote yourself to God and seek His approval rather than the approval of people. Grow in your knowledge and love for Jesus. Commit yourself to the Savior Who died for you so that your faith and character can be refined like silver and gold. Embrace the refining fire. Devote yourself to God over the world so that in the fire you won’t fail. Call on the Lord in times of trial, knowing that He will answer. #FollowJesus