Zechariah 13:9

This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, “they are mine,” and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”

Testing has a way of bringing out what is truly the heartbeat of God in our life; what we truly believe to be true about Him. He says to us, “You are mine!” I hope that is comforting if you have doubts.

I love the concept and word picture of testing and refining with fire. It’s a slow process of applying heat until the impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Even though it takes time and the heat is intense, patience will bring a beautiful result. The one who is crafting the “silver and gold” sits by with a keen eye as the process unfolds.

Know that God will work everything out in His perfect timing; He may have to turn up the heat, but you and your prodigal both are in capable, refining hands!

Zechariah 13:9

______ I will bring into the fire; I will refine ______ like silver and test him/her like gold. ______ will call on my name and I will answer him/her; I will say, “______ is mine,” and ______ will say, “The Lord is my God.”