Fire.
I love fire.
I love to look at it.
I love the way it dances before my eyes.
I love the comfort it brings.
Most of all, I love the way fire can burn away the broken wood and leave it in a pile of ash. Thus, we bought a fire pit!
As I have been thoroughly enjoying my newfound hobby – backyard mellow roasts – I have found myself often reflecting on the similarities between fire and purpose.
The fires that God allows into our lives are meant to burn away those pieces that are not meant to be there so we can draw closer to Him. Fire can be painful, but fire has purpose. Without it we remain shackled, crippled, burdened. The trials in our lives are fiery moments that, while excruciating to bear, become so purposeful in directing our lives to find beauty and comfort that can only be found in Him.
There is nothing comparable to the Refiner’s Fire.
Now as an ode to worship music, circa 1990 (I feel old) – Brian Doerksen style – I thought it fitting to include lyrics to his oldie but a goodie.
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within and make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within
”So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must 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.” -1 Peter 1:6-7
