The Refiner’s Fire

Oh my soul, please do not listen to the flesh. The flesh desires self gratification to which it is never satisfied. The refiner’s fire is a necessary ingredient for our sanctification, for on our own we would rarely choose to have the chaff burned away.

“…the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

It has been a difficult season so I give myself a pep talk that says, all seasons come and go. Waiting for a season to end brings its own challenge of living with patience. I am led to St. Therese of Lisieux who wisely said, “the greater our sufferings, the more limitless our glory. Oh! Do not let us waste the trial Jesus sends.” What is the purpose of this trial, I ask?

My flesh says it does not wish for trials. It much prefers the path of ease where things go as I plan. Contrary to the flesh, the soul longs for so much more. It appears the flesh may often interfere with our sanctification. As my spiritual director says, dying to self is painful through design. The phrase no pain, no gain rings true.

Sanctification is More Than a Word

We talk about sanctification as part of the Christian walk because we know it is good for us, and scripture confirms this. We want to be made holy, right? Truthfully though, I would rather talk about sanctification than actually go through it. St. John of the Cross nudges me to endure the sanctification process.

God does not fit in an occupied heart.

St. John of the Cross

God wants more for the soul, one that is rid of the sin we carry around, the selfishness, the pride, the judgement, and the list continues. He wants a soul that is healed of the hurts and woundings accumulated through life. Sanctification is a journey of trials, through which our hearts are cleansed. The more cleansing, the more room for our Heavenly Father to dwell.

Accepting the Trial

To accept the trials is to walk through the Refiner’s fire. My flesh is weak and does not seek cleansing trials on its own. In fact, my flesh seems to stand in opposition to the work of sanctification, hence the turmoil I experience within. It appears the internal battle begins to ease when I see the trial for what it is, an opportunity for purification and to empty the clutter accumulating in my heart.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:10-12

I am still trying to accept this season of refinement. It is a process of seeking holiness. My prayer has changed though, from Lord, why this trial? to Lord, reveal what is hidden in the recesses of my heart that requires refinement. Maybe I’ll count that as a little progress.

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10

May the Refiner’s fire produce gold in each of us.