The Refiner's Fire

Ah, Elul! This Hebrew month that precedes the month of Tishrei, when all the Fall Feasts arrive, foreshadowing the ultimate return of King Yeshua, and the establishment of His Millennial Reign on this earth.  It is no wonder that this month of Elul presents so many challenges for those who are truly attempting to walk the narrow path of keeping His commands and seeking His Face.  The burning of the flesh is not a fun time; but it is a rewarding time.

A good friend of ours is writing daily devotions for the month of Elul - to help us stay on that path of preparation and self-examination - and one of his writings this morning spoke powerfully to me. As I continue to lay down my own wishes and desires in order to make this 13-year-old grandson my priority, I die daily!

In his devotional Ray challenged us with a quote from Chiddushei HaRim: "When a man begins to serve God in earnest, he can easily be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. He hears the evil inclination whispering in his ear, 'I can't do it. It's too much.'"

Wow, that really spoke to me! I have, at times, felt like this was too much for me. But I am encouraged this morning to remember that when God gives a vision, he also gives PROvision for it!  He will supply the energy to get up every morning at 6:00 and make breakfast and motivate a seventh grader to shower and dress and eat and walk to school. It has been twenty years since I've done that! I am used to quiet, gentle mornings with no alarm clock except the sweet song of birds outside my window. But Father reminds me, "I've given you a golden opportunity. There is one soul in your house whose life will be changed because of your guidance, your witness, and your love. Is that not worth setting aside your comforts?"

Ah, Elul! Every year you challenge me, you prod me, you convict me. Every year there are lessons. Every year the Refiner's Fire gets a little hotter than it was last year. Every year hopefully another spot and another wrinkle disappears from my wedding gown!

Matthew 16:24 [CJB]:
24 Then Yeshua told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him say ‘No’ to himself, take up his execution-stake, and keep following me.
​