Before we begin, I want to say that this reflection entry is heavily inspired by the song Refiner by Chandler Moore and Maverick City. I remember hearing this song for the first time a couple years ago, before I fully said yes to Christ, and being so confused. Isn’t the whole point of saying yes to Christ to prevent us from being tried by fire? To save us from the eternal wrath of hell?

Now that a couple of years have passed, and I have matured in my faith, I understand this song in a new light.

5/8/25

Lord, where I fall short, continue to raise me higher. Where my heart is hardened, continue to soften it. To mold it with Your hands. Everything I am, is from You alone.

Continue to try and purify me. Allow me to burn thoroughly, so that I may be renewed in Your spirit. Where my skin has been bruised and battered; where my flesh has begun to rot from sin and shame, allow Your fire to burn it off.

One may only be anointed with oil and fragrance after the skin has been prepped and cleaned. We do not dress the flesh that is not prepped- therefore You do not bless us with Your spirit until You have made us anew.

If I by then am able to persevere through the temporary suffering of being tried by fire, I will then receive eternal life with You. That suffering leads to salvation. You do not give eternal life to the one whose flesh is failing them, but to the one who said yes to purification by fire.