Refined by Fire

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:67 (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed that in nature, the highest peaks and roughest mountain crags make the most spectacular waterfalls? The force of the water has eroded the rock and what began as destruction is turned into breathtaking beauty. That is the amazing thing about our Creator; the most devastating pain we experience can become, in God's hands, His richest blessing. How can that be? In human terms it is incomprehensible; we cannot understand it, but for God - it is a promise in His word.

A number of years ago, my life was full and busy with being a pastor's wife, a working mother, and a fledgling writer. Life was stressful, but then whose is not? Being wife and mother was hectic, my job challenging, and the ministry often difficult. Then I discovered that my best friend, my pastor, my husband of twenty-three years had been unfaithful to me.

As surely as the Twin Towers fell, my own life seemed to collapse around me. My trust was shattered, my children, my marriage crushed; the devastation was beyond anything I could ever imagine. In those first moments it seemed that all I had believed in - all we as a family had stood for, all we had sacrificed - everything we had lived was a sham. A lie. But in that billowing cloud of carnage and rubble of the disintegration of all that I thought I knew to be true, one thing had not been crushed, one thing had not crumbled, one thing had not been desolated, one thing stood firm - God and His Word.

Like those spectacular waterfalls God brought the healing, rushing waters of His grace and restoration to our lives. A holy God who reconciles sinful man to Himself can use anything for His honor and glory.

Thank you, Father, that in Your boundless grace, unending mercy, and unfailing love You grant Your power of restoration and reconciliation to anyone who comes to You. Reveal Yourself in us that we might be found unto Your praise, honor, and glory. Amen.

Missy Horsfall

This devotional submission is one of the many featured in our Daily devotional guide available at the right side of this page.