The Crucible

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts.

 

Proverbs 17:3

This proverb describes one of God's strangest mysteries. It is a description of God's formula to refine the human heart in order to bring out its finest qualities. The significant leaders who make the greatest mark for the Kingdom had to experience their own crucible and fire.

 

Without it, the dross can never be removed from the human heart and the encumbrances weigh us down.

 

God understands the human heart and He understands that for us to become all that He has for us, there are seasons refining. For example, Joseph went through many tests and succeeding in the test qualified him for greater responsibility.

 

Some of God's greatest crucibles are found in our every day lives.

Even so, God's grace has been provided that we might embrace the crucible and come through it stronger and wiser for doing so. Should we fail, we need not fear—His grace is sufficient for this as well. Ask God for the grace to walk with Him in whatever crucible is placed before you—He is able to accomplish what He has for you in this as well.