Psalms 66:
10 For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver. 11 You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures,
and make them the subject of conversation. 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's opinion was that it was intended to convey the view of the
sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to Visit a
silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged
to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

"But Sir" she said, "do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily
fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded
in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He
shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Christ sees it needful to
put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of
purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for
them. Their trials do not come at random; "the very hairs of your head are
all numbered." Matthew 10:30

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and
said he had forgotten to mention that he only knows when the process of
purifying is complete when he sees His own image reflected in the silver.


This is a good parable to let God's people know that when trials and
tribulations may come our way, we are to count it all joy because the end
of that trial will make us stronger and more faithful than we were before
the trial. I encourage you to be strong and never let a problem or trial
get you down or lose your joy. Jesus is still on the throne and still in
control of every situation so never feel discouraged or defeated in Jesus
mighty name I say these things to you.