The Refiner's Fire

I read the following at the beginning of a book a few years ago, and it really struck me. I can't remember the book that it was in, but I copied this down and I re-read it occasionally. I find that it brings me peace. This afternoon as I was reading my scriptures in Alma chapter 34 in verse 29 it talks more about the "refiners."

I thought that I would share this with you all:

Some time ago, a few women met in a certain city to study the scriptures. While reading Malachi 3, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One woman proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the object of her errand begged the silversmith to tell about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes, Madam," replied the silversmith. "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The woman at once saw the beauty and comfort in the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it needful to put His children into a furnace. His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying and His wisdom and His love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come as random, and He will not let us tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the woman asked one final question. "When do you know if the process is complete?"

"Why, that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

-Author Unknown.