"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."Malachi 3:3

A lady proposed to visit a silversmith. She went accordingly, and without telling the object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?""Oh, yes, madam," replied the silversmith. "I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort too of the expression, "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."GOD permits but does not cause us to experience hardships, difficulties, obstacles, and other furnace like tests. Our faith in Him is purified by these if we continue to pursue and endure according to HIS truth despite these tests. HIS eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and HIS wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. HE will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "When do you know the process is complete?""Why, that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."Yes, trials can refine us, build our faith, and we can better reflect GOD'S qualities when persevering under test.