The Fire of Refinement!

God’s refining fire should be our desire.

As His children, from trials, we will never rest.

Let us persevere and God’s wisdom to acquire

Rejoicing and praising Him as He puts us to the test.

That test is determined by the cross we carry ever day,

A cross with which we bear trials, one that proves our Lord’s power;

A cross that purges, leading along God’s pathway;

One that causes joy, despite difficulties, every hour.

Are you being refined?  Have you determined to submit?

You must decide to take that step, suffer and stand in the face of temptation;

Acting not on pleasure for pleasure’s sake, accepting God’s word and His decision make.

Tests in life are to purify and strengthen for God’s glory that we may press on,

Holding strong as a servant of the King,

That through determination we may prove Him in everything.

Are you being refined?  Will you persevere though obstacles block the way?

You are commanded to strive for Him and Him alone.

Therefore make a choice, count the cost, know the price, then continue to grow.

The key is pushing on through trials that seem impossible.

It is step-by-step through faith in following our Savior’s lead,

That through perseverance we may follow Him and through persistence we may succeed.

Are you being refined?  Have you become His disciple?

You have a choice to make whether to quit or to follow.

That choice is a decision that is made only by you.

It’s a judgment made to give up yourself and allow God’s glory to shine through,

Bearing that cross with pride and discernment for Him who lives for you,

That through being a disciple we may prove our Lord who is just and true.

Are you being refined?  Are you conforming to His will?

You must rely on your Creator, for this task you cannot fulfill.

You may try if you wish but by your flesh you will fail.

But trust in the Lord and His Spirit shall prevail making you complete in Him.

He shall guide you by His hand and help you finish what He began. 

That through this transforming power the world may see and know Him.

Are you a marked man?  Have you been through the fire?

You have a promise from Him that He’ll remain by your side.

His presence is proof you are sealed and with that He is your guide.

To remain by your side though the fire of trials burn hot within.

With His seal we are secure and by His Spirit we shall win,

That through faith and trust in this life, one day, face-to-face, we shall forever see Him.

Fiery trials, tests of faith, victory in all, only by God’s grace;  

These are times of development when the soul is purified,

Being conformed to the image of the Father’s Son

For by His wisdom and strength are we sanctified.