A Consuming Fire
Apparently, God is a bit of a pyromanic. Last week, I read in Hebrews 12 that He is “a consuming fire,” and I can’t seem to stop thinking about it. My Holy God is using the flame to refine my life — removing all that is not holy, all that will harm me. This forging is a painful process, but one that results in greater growth and beauty.
May I never resist the flame.
Consume me, Lord.
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“So be truly glad.
There is wonderful joy ahead,
even though you have to endure
many trials for a little while.
These trials will show
that your faith is genuine.
It is being tested
as fire tests and purifies gold—
though your faith is far more precious
than mere gold.
So when your faith remains strong
through many trials,
it will bring you much praise and glory and honor
on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
I Peter 1:6-7, NLT
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Q4U: How has God used the flame to refine your life?
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I’m definitely feeling God’s refining fires in my life lately, Lyli! And I found your words here very comforting, since, as you’ve said, it results in greater growth and beauty. That’s something I need to remember, my friend! Thanks for sharing this and I do hope you link it up at Wedded Wed today! 🙂
Beth, It’s good to know that I am not alone in the fiery season. I will try to link up a marriage post next week.
Refinement…yes, the flame is ever-near, Lyli. I, too, do not want to run from it for I want to be refine, made to be more and more like Christ and it is only through this process of trials that God can really purify us. All the years of caregiving, of dealing with a sister who was terrible to me for a number of years while I was caring for our mother, or going through a terrible first marriage and being blessed with this second, God’s trials can grow us and be a blessing too. At the time, we don t think the latter is possible, but it is. Much food for thought, my friend.
Thanks for stopping by Being Woven.
It’s amazing how He teaches us through the difficult. Isn’t it? He redeems all.
So true! The fire can rock our world, but the results are worth it:) one of my favorite passages too!
So glad you stopped by my little space on the web, Lauren! I am trying to “keep my eye on the prize.” Blessings 🙂
“May I never resist the flame”, mmmmm, so good!
I am trying to remember that refining is a “good thing.” 🙂
This has been my prayer lately…for Him to make me more and more like His son. I need to let Him in to do the refinement I know He is wanting to do. There are some areas that are harder to let go of aren’t there?
Much love to you, Lyli.
{Hugs}
Yes, Beth. Surrender is so hard! I am so glad that He is patient with us. xoxo
Reblogged this on eveslittlegardenclub.
Thank you! 🙂
Dear Lyli
Yes, our Lord’s discipline is a consuming fire, but that is because of His great love. I can honestly say that before my illness that takes me daily through the refining fire, I knew of God. But now I know our Beloved. We know that He is working out everything for our good and for His glory. Lyli, in the time that I have been blessed to know you, I am amazed at how your faith and love for Pappa have grown. What a joy to behold.
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia, you are such an encourager! Thank you for that.
Romans 8:28 — it’s one of my favorite verses. 🙂
Oh refine me Lord!! I loved this Lyli! I am so sick with the Type A flu right now…maybe the Lord will refine me while I am on my sickbed..lol…oh my! I had this one other time a few years ago. My RN son chides me for not taking “THE SHOT”, but I do not like what is in that! (another discussion for another time) But today I feel so badly I would welcome prayers, this fever and body aches that literally are hurting to the bone have me wishing for a visit from the Refiner. Blessings friend. ♥
Hugs and prayers. Rest and get well soon.
Lyli,
I definitely feel God refining my life daily lately. I feel like he’s moving mountains and working on my heart in a an in depth manner. This is such a wonderful reminder that God is in control and can reshape things all the time.
Isn’t it awesome that God comes into our lives and makes all things new?
Oh for more of the Fire of Pentecost to enflame our spirits.
Amen 🙂
God is currently refining why/how I serve. I love that he is a consuming fire who doesn’t do anything lackluster…we shine more than precious gold when he is done!
Yes, it’s getting warm in here :). I’m grateful for that refinement, though it doesn’t feel good at the time. I’ve been trying to experience the fire as truth lately–telling myself these things you say here. Love to you, Lyli. Good words.
Lyli – I was so blessed in reading this post this morning. How often I can forget that the refining fire is meant to remove all that would harm me or be to my detriment. Thank you for these words today. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
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