Day 6 Refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7)

Scripture Focus
“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
— 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)

Reflection

As you continue this fast, you may face afflictions that test your resolve. Your flesh, mind, and emotions may whisper that it is easier to quit. Yet, hold firm! Place your hope in Jesus. He alone anchors you in the love of God and keeps you steady in the refining fire of His presence.

In Malachi 3:3, God is described as a refiner of silver, purging away impurity so His people can offer righteous worship. Refinement is not destruction. Just as fire draws out the dross in metal, God’s refining presence exposes and removes the sin in our lives—not to consume us, but to purify us.

When God refines us, He:

1. Reveals our true identity in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27).
2. Delivers us from generational sin and iniquity (Psalm 51:5; Ezekiel 18:20).
3. Reveals Christ in us for sonship and priesthood (John 12:20-24).
4. Calls us as His own people (1 Timothy 2:4).
5. Removes rebellion, unbelief, and disobedience.
6. Leads us to glorify Christ as our faith is proven genuine (1 Peter 1:7).

God does not consume us in His fire—He refines us. He cares about the state of your heart and desires it to be pure and undefiled.

Like Isaiah, who cried out in God’s holy presence (Isaiah 6:5), we too are called to acknowledge our sinfulness and receive cleansing.

Scriptures to Meditate On

• 1 Peter 5:10 — “The God of all grace… after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
• Isaiah 48:10 — “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”
• Psalm 147:5 — “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

Prayer

Father, You are the Lord who answers by fire. Refine me in the furnace of Your presence. Purge me from sin and cleanse my heart, that Christ may be fully seen in me. Deliver me from all that defiles and establish me in Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question

What “dross” (sin or impurity) is God bringing to the surface in your life during this fast?

For Further Study: Matthew 16–18