For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10

Being refined can be a painful process. It takes the extreme heat of the flames to clean out all the impurities.

We lament that we’re being tested and tried as if it’s a bad thing. In reality, it’s like Peter said in 1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

and

Hebrews 12:7

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Still, though, going through those flames is admittedly not pleasant. Understanding that when it’s all over, it will be to His glory is as important as undergoing the refinement.

Perhaps you’re in the midst of this refinement now. Perhaps the flames of His refining fire is hotter than you thought you could possibly endure. Call out to Him. Plead with Him to help you endure.

Know this: just as the Fourth Man was in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego a long time ago, that same “Fourth Man” is walking right beside you today.