Shine Like Silver

"For you, God, tested us, you refined us like silver." Psalm 66:10 NIV

"And so, we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him."
2Corinthians 3:18 The Message

Bling. Jewelry. A bit of shine adds a lot to an outfit. It catches my attention and says "look at me". I feel more confident when I'm wearing something shiny that complements what I'm wearing. I'm not a flamboyant dresser but I often get compliments when I wear an eye-catching piece of jewelry.

I never gave much thought to how my bling was made. Some of my favorite pieces are silver, and I read a little story recently that made me pause and think. A silversmith makes silver beautiful by holding it in the fire and letting it heat up. In order to refine it (make it pure and beautiful) he has to hold it in the hottest part of the fire to burn away all the impurities. And the silversmith must keep his eye on the silver at all times, because if it is left in the fire just a moment too long, it will be destroyed. But how does the silversmith know when the silver is fully refined? When he sees his image in it!

Can you see God as the silversmith of your life? At times, we wonder why He is "holding us in the fire"...it's not fun to go through life's difficulties and challenges and we would often give anything to get out of the fire. But God knows what He's doing: he is trying to make us pure and beautiful, so we can shine like silver and show His reflection to the world. Just like a beautiful piece of bling, he wants others to notice our shiny presence and wonder how we got so beautiful - on the inside and out. When we allow Him into our lives, He will gradually make us more like Him: brighter, more beautiful, pure and holy. When you are feeling the heat of the fire, don't forget that He has His eye on you every moment: he knows how much is enough....just enough to make you shine like silver.

Lord Jesus, thank you for gradually making me shine like silver. Though the refining process is not always enjoyable, help me to remember you are keeping a careful eye on me while I walk through the fire, and you will not allow me to get burned. Help me to learn the lessons you have in mind, quickly and well, so that I may life a brighter and more beautiful life. May Your presence shine like silver through me, so that I may draw others closer to You. Amen.

More Healing Word of God: Malachi 3:3; Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9