No doubt, fire is globally recognized as a very destructive and potentially dangerous substance; especially if not handled carefully. A whole sky scrapper could be completely razed down by fire within few hours. Fire may therefore, symbolically connote affliction or oppression as indicated in God’s call to Moses to the backside of the desert on Mount Horeb. *“… and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed”* (Exo. 3:2).
Conversely, raw gold and other precious metals must pass through fire before the beauty in them can come out. For such metals, the pre-condition for their beautification or glorification is to be tried and refined by fire. As believers, we will at one point or the other experience the period of refinement by fire. How we react during such times is a function of our spiritual understanding, maturity and tenacity. Do you complain or murmur when passing through afflictions? The ‘fire’ experience of the Christians is nothing compared with the glory which lies ahead of them, if they endure. Little wonder, Apostle Paul said: *“For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”* (Rom. 8:18). God often allows pains to precede gains. If you are going through the process, please, endure. The prophecy from Prophet Zechariah establishes God’s plan for His children. *“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God”* (Zech. 13:9). In the previous verse, the Lord said two parts of the people would be cut off and die; but the third part shall be left therein. The one-third remaining shall be made to pass through fire for trials and refinement! Beloved, the present difficulties and challenges of life are to try your faith in God. I encourage you to stay put with the Lord and persevere, for great is the glory awaiting you. When you don’t back out during the trying moments, God says He will answer you when you call on His name. He will boldly identify with you as His child, and you too will be confident to call Him your God.
Friend, if you have not accepted the Lordship of Christ, don’t hesitate to do so now! Our God is a consuming fire; on the day of judgement, He will not spare any unrepentant sinner. God bless you as you make this life-changing decision. Welcome to the month of March. It shall be your month of elevation in Jesus’ name. Happy new month!
