Refining

Psalm 66:8-12 - Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

This is just a portion of a psalm of praise. I love how the author acknowledges how the Father can refine us: bringing us into prison, laying burdens on our backs, letting people ride over our heads, and taking us through fire and water! But he concludes with “but You brought us to a place of abundance.” Hallelujah!

The process of removing impurities from our lives can be painful! Whew! It can get real tough! But the Father does this and then brings us to a place of abundance. And the place of abundance is well worth the journey! And the purpose? Well take a look at 2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I want to abound in every good work! How about you? Our precious Father, who never leaves nor forsakes us, by the way, walks with us through the sometimes grueling refining process so that we may thrive, flourish, and overflow in good work. Whatever work God has called you to, I dare you to ask Him to refine you! And then watch Him bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times and having all you need, you can go forth and kick some devil butt as you abound in every good work!