Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Have you ever found yourself in a season of purification, facing the wilderness of life’s trials? If you have, you are not alone. Many of us go through these challenging times, and it’s often during these periods that God seeks to cleanse our hearts and align us with His plan and purpose. 

God’s Call to Purification

Reflecting on my own journey, nearly a decade ago, I was called out of my old life and into something new. At that time, fitness and competition ruled my world. Whether it was triathlons or weightlifting classes, I could often be found in the gym, immersed in my passion. But then, in an unexpected twist of fate, I shattered my wrist, requiring surgery that left me incapacitated and casted. Just like that, I was thrust into the wilderness.

In the midst of my frustration and despair, I found myself grappling with feelings of anger and uncertainty. Yet, this wilderness experience became a profound turning point. It was here that I began to understand the insights found in **Malachi 3:3**, which states, “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and gold.” Just as gold must be heated to extreme temperatures to remove its impurities, God was preparing me for a new season.

The Refining Fire

The process of purifying gold requires immense heat—up to 2000 degrees—and it is through this extreme process that the impurities rise to the surface, allowing the pure gold to settle at the bottom. This imagery resonates with my journey. As I navigated through my emotional and spiritual wilderness, I began to recognize that God wanted to remove distractions from my life; distractions that kept me from truly seeking Him.

Isaiah 48:10–11 reminds us that God refines us not just for the sake of refinement but to bring forth His purpose: “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” During this time, I learned that God is not simply interested in our outward actions or successes; He longs for a heart change leading to a holy life lived fully for Him.

*Transformation through Trials

In the wilderness, I unearthed a newfound faith—one that emerged from the depths of my heart. Just as 1 Peter 1:6–7 illustrates, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” This passage became a guiding light in my storm.

God was indeed shaping me during this time. He began to remove what was not of Him, replacing it with a desire to fulfill His purpose. The wilderness became a transformative space where my heart was purified, allowing me to willingly lay down my old passions in pursuit of His calling.

The Purity of Heart

As I continued my journey, I began to realize that purified gold is flexible and soft, capable of being molded into different forms. How beautifully **Isaiah 1:25-26** echoes this truth: “I will turn my hand against you and thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning.” When our hearts are refined, we become transparent vessels, no longer glorifying ourselves but revealing what God has placed within us.

Gold in its purest state is transparent. Likewise, when we are refined by God, our hearts become open and transparent, reflecting Him to the world around us. Instead of drawing attention to ourselves, we showcase the beauty of His presence within.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in the wilderness today, take heart. God is at work in your life, preparing you for His purpose. Embrace the process of purification, allowing Him to burn away the distractions and reveal your true calling. As you journey through this refining fire, remember that you are being shaped into a vessel that reflects His glory, transparent and ready for His use. 

When we have been purified by God, what you will see is Christ in us, shining through every trial and triumph, illuminating the path we walk with His love and grace.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Your refining fire. Help us to trust in Your process, knowing that what You do in us is for our good and Your glory. Amen.