~Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

What a wonderful and encouraging verse this is! It holds such precious “gold nuggets” (no pun intended) 

When you look at the picture above, the gold doesn’t look very attractive, does it? It’s rough – it has some likeness to gold but doesn’t have that polished look yet. When we become true born-again Christians, I believe our spiritual life appears like that gold above. As we grow in grace, through trials and tribulation, we are “refined.”

As you will see, the refining process makes a big difference in its appearance. The gold becomes yellower and it’s polished to a smooth and shiny finish. So what’s the spiritual application here? Reread today’s verse. Do you see the blessing yet? I’m jumping out of my skin with excitement, LOL!

Who knows the way that you take? Who tries you? Of course, you see the answer is the Lord The One who tries you knows the way that you take. He is NOT caught by surprise and, therefore, is extremely capable of leading you. That denotes intimacy and a personal relationship, doesn’t it? There’s not one person on this earth that can say that they know every step you make! Each step of the way is a step on the pathway of refining. It helps to understand that when the trials of life are overwhelming, God knows all about it because He already knows the way that you take! Amen?

Also notice that the Lord did not pick just any metal here. I think He picked gold because of the “fire” that is needed to refine it. You’ve heard the old saying, “Trial by fire,” haven’t you? Trials come in different intensities – some are “hotter” than others. My husband’s ordeal with cancer was a hard one, as well as the trial of a wayward child.  What was comforting through each of these trials was the fact that my Shepherd was right beside me! Each trial brought a renewed faith that was ever stronger! My metal (my faith – my walk) was being refined – the trial was building upon my spiritual foundation – each layer reflected a work that the Holy Spirit had done in my life. As I went through each one, I was being polished. Just like when you polish your gold jewelry, the first pass with your soft cloth takes away the dirt (the sin). The next sweep makes the gold shinier. Each pass  polishes that gold to a beautiful sheen and you can almost see yourself in it

Notice the end of the verse – “I shall come forth as gold.” No matter what trial you are experiencing, Christian, the end result is that you will come forth as gold! You gain joy, peace and comfort! It’s as if your Heavenly Father rewards you with these precious gifts – He loves you and knows you intimately – He knows your way and won’t allow more than you can handle!

Now look at how gold appears after the refining process – notice the beauty? This is how the Lord will view you (the outcome of your trials through the fire) when you enter Heaven’s gates! Glory!!! \o/