Are You Letting God Refine You?

Visiting Mirror Lake in Yosemite at just the right time of year is breathtaking. One of its most striking features is the large granite boulder near the shoreline. On a still morning, the lake becomes a perfect mirror, and that massive rock—bold, immovable—reflects so clearly in the water that it seems to form a whole image: one above the surface and one below. It's a picture of clarity and symmetry. In much the same way, God refines us so that His image, like the reflection of that rock, is seen clearly in our lives—strong, unmistakable, and anchored in stillness.

In the same way, a silversmith works to refine silver—watching patiently, never leaving it unattended. They sit close, adjusting the heat with care, because they know the refining process is delicate. The work is complete only when they can see their own reflection clearly in the surface of the molten silver. That's how they know the silver is pure. In ancient refining practices, the silversmith would hold the silver over intense fire to melt away the impurities. However, if left too long, the silver could be ruined.

Malachi 3 doesn't just give us a beautiful image of refinement—it also foretells the coming of two messengers: John the Baptist and Jesus. The verses mention launderers' soap, washing, and cleansing, all symbolizing the purification process.

Ultimately, God, the true Silversmith, desires to refine us—to purify us until His image is reflected in our lives. Like a craftsman carefully tending the fire, He watches over us with patient love, removing what does not belong and restoring what He originally designed. What a blessing to have a Master who doesn't abandon the process but remains near, purifying us with care and purpose. He sets us apart and sends the perfect model in Jesus for us to follow. As we consider this, we must ask ourselves: Are we resisting His refining fire, or are we yielding to the shaping hands of the One who longs to see His reflection in us?

• Look at your own reflection in a mirror as a family and talk about what it means for Christ's image to be reflected in us.

• Share a time when each person experienced a moment of growth through a challenge—what was God refining?

• Read Malachi 3:1–4 together and underline the words that describe what God does for His people.

• Discuss: Are there areas in our hearts or habits that God might want to purify?