In The Crucible of The Refiner’s Fire

Job 23:10 “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

My wife and I have just received another crook in our lot in life from the hand of the Lord. We have learned that the 11 week old child in her womb is dead. This is the third time we have experienced this type of providence. But it is wonderful to know that we too can at least in some sense, identify with Job, a man who knew afflictions like few other men have known them, “But He knows the way that I take . . .” Yes brothers and sisters, God knows our way, for Job also rhetorically asked, “Does He not see my ways And number all my steps?” We had many plans for this child, and yet we are reminded by our Lord in Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” In light of the assurance and comfort granted to those who have a full-orbed appreciation for God’s sovereignty in providence, consider the contrary position here taken by atheist cum theist (post-mortem of course) Bertrand Russell,

Even after abandoning logical atomism, Russell remained an enthusiastic pluralist; in 1931 he wrote that the proposition that the world is a unity, “the most fundamental of my intellectual beliefs is that this is rubbish. I think the universe is all spots and jumps, without unity, without continuity, without coherence or orderliness or any of the other properties that governs love.”[1]

Now, contrast that with this,

“I shall come forth as gold.” Job did not say, When he hath tried me I may come forth as gold,” or “I hope to come forth as gold,” but with full confidence and positive assurance he declared, “I shall come forth as gold.” But how did he know this? How can we be sure of the happy issue? Because the Divine purpose cannot fail. He who has begun a good work in us “will finish it” (Phil. 1:6). How can we be sure of the happy issue? Because the Divine promise is sure “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” (Ps. 138:8). Then be of good cheer, tried and troubled one. The process may be unpleasant and painful, but the outcome is joyous and sure.

“I shall come forth as gold.” This was said by one who knew affliction and sorrow as few man have known them. Yet despite his fiery trials he was optimistic. Let then this triumphant language be ours. “I shall come forth as gold” is not the language of carnal boasting, but the confidence of one whose mind was stayed on God. There will be no credit to our account: the glory will all belong to the Divine Refiner (James 1:12).

For the present two things are certain: first, Love is the Divine thermometer while we are in the crucible of testing: “And he shall sit [the patience of Divine grace] as a Refiner and Purifier of Silver,” etc. (Mal. 3:3). Second, the Lord Himself is with us in the fiery furnace, as He was with the three young Hebrews (Dan. 3:25). For the future this is sure: the most wonderful thing in heaven will not be the golden street or the golden harps, but the golden souls on which is stamped the image of God; “predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son”! Praise God for such a glorious prospect, such a victorious outcome, and such a marvelous goal.[2]

And then this poem sent to me from a Christian friend,

THINGS DON’T JUST HAPPEN TO A CHILD OF GOD (Romans 8:28, 29) Things don’t just happen to a child of God, They’re part of a wonderful plan; The troubles, reverses, the sorrows, the rod Are strokes of the Great Sculptor’s hand. When some dread accident strikes you a blow And you worry and fret and demand; Why try so hard the mystery to know? It’s not just an accident; it’s planned. Have you been dropped from a place of power? Do you wonder and reprimand? Don’t rebel, but look to Him in that hour; Things didn’t just happen; it’s planned. Persecution, tribulations come down like a storm; Friends disappoint and withstand; At last, all alone, bewildered, forlorn, You look, and He smiles: “This is planned.” Do you wonder why God to affliction should call, And why you must suffer and moan? “No man should be moved by affliction,” says Paul. Don’t question – He planned it just so. Things don’t just happen to children of God, The blueprint was made by His hand; He designed all the details to conform to His Son, So all things that happen are planned. No matter what happens to those called “His own,” Events that are awful or grand; Every trial of your life He sends from His throne, Things don’t just happen, they’re planned.

So in conclusion, I have been thoroughly exhorted by the Holy Spirit working through God’s word and God’s people over the last twenty-four hours as I am continually reminded by how spiritually practical the supposed “stuffy, intellectual, and academic” doctrines of the reformed faith are to every day life. I must also note that I rejoice, in times like this as God reminds me that the promulgations of philosophical materialism are false and that there is inherent meaning to the universe and life rather than the forces of chance or fate handing us our blows. Yes indeed, we can rejoice in what Christ said to all those who are burdened “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

[1] “The Scientific Outlook,” New York, 1931, p.98. Cited in The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, edited by Paul Edwards, 1967, volume 5, 364.

[2] A.W. Pink, Comfort for Christians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books), 40.

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