2529) I am definitely not an authority on precious metals, but I do know there are some specific procedures that need to be done to make sure you have a metal that is as pure as possible.

Refining gold involves extreme heat that liquifies it, and the impurities float to the top. If I look at it from the gold’s perspective, it’s a brutal process and yet, it’s the only thing that can produce a pure product.

This reminds me of Isaiah 48:10, which reveals to us that God is refining us with the furnace of affliction. Without this refinement, our souls would continue to be filled with impurities.

This refinement can open up a can of worms in our theology. Does God purposely send difficulties so we can be refined? Are these difficulties part of the evil work Satan sends? Are these difficulties a result of our poor choices? Any of these and others I haven’t referred to can be part of the reason they happen. I don’t suppose I will know the specific answers to this puzzle in this life. What I do know is God can and will use difficulties to refine my faith. Refinement isn’t comfortable, but it’s necessary.