Refiner's Fire

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. - Malachi 3:1-2

Malachi prophesies that when the LORD comes, he will purify his people like a refiner's fire and strong soap. Impurities are separated and burned off during the process.

Brothers and sisters, as dearly loved people, God is purifying us with fire. When trials come our way, remember that God is refining us. As Peter writes,

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor. - 1 Peter 6:7

Let us place our confidence in God as he purifies his church.

Let us stay the course!