As I was praying late last night, I found myself feeling incredibly frustrated. I abruptly stopped for a minute and asked God to speak to me. There has been so much chaos and confusion surrounding my life right now, I just needed to hear SOMETHING from Him. ANYTHING. I needed him to encourage me, rebuke me, challenge me, correct me; whatever! I was just plain hungry and desperate to hear from Him. True to His nature, He immediately broke through the silence and began to lead me to one passage of scripture found in the old testament book of Malachi, chapter 3.

For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.
Malachi 3

Careful when you ask for clarity. God loves to bring it, but it's not always great news.

I can tell you this: it is hot in my life right now. Without getting too far into it all, the fact is, I'm being pressed, refined, and yes, even laundered. I really have no idea how it came upon me so fast, and it seems like a bit of a whirlwind to look back upon. I really have no idea as to even why it has happened either.

But this recovery process, and journey back to the pure truth of the Gospel, has taught me that I'm over the "whys," and I'm now on to the "hows" in life. How do I handle this? How do I react the way you, Heavenly Father, want me to react? How do I process bits and bits of negative information and how do I become the man you want me to be, right now, in this period of my life?

This is precisely why it's so easy as an unfaithful spouse, to feel pressed in on when our spouse asks questions that seem a bit intrusive or out of place. From our where abouts, to unaccounted for time, to text messages, emails, explanations.....to you name it. It can be refining and purifying to say the least. Regardless of the questions posed, it really is about refinement and purification from The Father above, as He is on assignment to make us the best we can be.

Why the pressure? Purification and Refinement.

Why the struggle and intensity of it all? Again, purification and refinement.

I'm not talking about some humanistic sort of worldly refinement, predicated upon difficult or trying circumstances that we overcome in our own strength and will power. But a refinement that comes from the Father's hand, who loves us and cares for us, and wants to use us for His purpose and glory. A refinement that is necessary if we are to become the vessels fit for the Master's use, both now, and in the future. If we want the marriage, family and ultimate quality of life that He has for us, we would do well to expect seasons of painstaking refinement and purification from time to time. If there is a time and a season for everything, we must humble ourselves and bow before the Father, as He continues to refine, purify and ultimately launder our life and character.

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO YOU TODAY???? during seasons of refinement and purification, it's so easy to get frustrated and angry. It's even easier to react insensitively, angrily, and (if I can be this blunt), just plain stupidly. From an angry word here, to a disrespectful attitude there to venting or needing to vent ....((and that's just for me, as I have no clue how you handle things when you are being refined)). It's certainly not easy, or simple. But if refinement proves one thing, it is this: He is not done with us no matter how bad we have screwed up. He has not given up on us and still has plans for us, despite what others, as well as what WE ourselves, may think. The truth of the matter is, if He didn't have something for us to do and destiny to still be a part of, then why would He go through all the trouble to refine us? Why would he orchestrate all these situations and continue to prove Himself faithful, if He was washing His hands of us due to our failures? Purification implies that something better and something more awaits us, and if we remain the same, refusing to allow Him to work deeper in our lives, we will not be able to handle the weight of His purpose in our lives. It truly encourages me to know He still has work for me to do, and something for me to be a part of. The prophet Isaiah wrote about such destiny and purpose when he said...in verse 1 of chapter 25, O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans {formed} long ago, with perfect faithfulness.