Real Refinement

Hey there amazing soul, welcome back!

While listening to worship music, — this song shows up out of nowhere - "Refiner" by Maverick City Music. At first, I was like, "Wow, how perfect!" considering that it hadn’t even been 24 hours since I’d said a similar prayer. I’m listening to the lyrics, and I’m nodding along, thinking, "Yes, Lord! Refine me! Purify me!" But then it hit me.

Do I even know what that means?

I started laughing because, let’s be real — we Christians trip sometimes. We cry out to God, "Lord, purify me! Refine me! Fill me with your Spirit!" But deep down, we kinda expect it to be this magical, peaceful moment — like Isaiah standing before God’s throne, getting his lips touched with a hot coal by an angel. (By the way, was it painful?) But even I know that’s not how my refinement experiences have played out!

See, we want the results of refinement — to be wiser, stronger, more spiritually mature — but we don’t want to go through the process. We want God to zap us into holiness, not drag us through the mud to get there. The reality, though? Refinement is rarely soft and peaceful. It’s more like stepping on a piece of Lego barefoot — First comes the shock, then the stabbing pain as that little stud digs into your foot. You instinctively hop around, maybe let out a "ooooo" — and afterward, you’re left clutching your foot, glaring at the offending brick like it personally betrayed you. Pure agony.

God’s idea of refining fire often shows up in life's drama, heartbreak, and chaos. The shenanigans that makes you go, "What the ACTUAL heck is happening ??" And if you remember to look up to Him, you go, "Umm… this wasn’t the deal!". Yeah, that’s the fire at work. And let me tell you — I’ve had my fair share of life’s refining fires. Oh, have I been through some murky waters! And while I was standing knee-deep in the mess, I’d be praying, "Lord, why?? Take this away!" But then I’d remember…

oh wait - I did ask to be refined.

God is not punishing us — He’s answering our prayer. He’s refining us so we can come out stronger, purer, more like Him. It’s in those tough moments that we really lean into God. We offer up our broken hallelujah. It's when we crack open our Bibles searching for answers and finally internalize those verses we ignored before. It's when we finally start praying from a real, vulnerable place instead of just going through the motions. Refinement pulls us closer to Him because we realize how much we actually need Him, and as first priority in our lives. We learn about our weaknesses, our contribution to sin, our need for confession, what to hold on to or let go of, to fix our eyes on Him instead of what's in the world.

And hey, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — character development ain't smooth. But on the other side of that fire? You become this golden version of yourself that is stronger, wiser, and more aligned with God’s purpose. You become a vessel He can really use. Like Isaiah. He went on to fulfill the mission that God had set out for him to do.

So yeah — if you happen to be praying along to "Refiner’s Fire" or similar — this post is your heads-up to what you’re signing up for. He’s gonna answer, and in His best way for you and your situation. Just don’t be surprised should the answer look like life falling apart for a little while. Remember, it isn't. He’s not leaving you in the fire alone. He’s walking through it with you. Just look up child!

And on the other side? Oh, friend — you’re gonna shine for His glory!!

So go ahead and pray that bold prayer! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Stay tuned, stay blessed!

Harmoniously yours!

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What songs have helped you open eyes to spiritual realities that should be on everyone's playlist?

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We will also add it to the Songtimony Playlist on Spotify for everyone to be blessed!