Refined in the Crucible: The Purpose of Trials and Suffering

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold: and Jehovah tries hearts - Proverbs 17:3

The crucible was an instrument that melted down a core substance in the hottest part of the fire, in order to bring forth precious metal.

The process of refinement through heat extracted impurities, bringing them to the surface, in order to separate them from tarnishing the final product.

Without fiery trials we, too, wouldn’t be sanctified, moulded, and progressively purified in our Christian walk.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you - 1 Peter 4:12-14a

Someone once asked a silversmith how he knew when the precious metal was ready during this process of refinement in the crucible.

His response was incredible. Especially when we consider the purpose of tests and trials in the Christian life and the Bibles symbolic use of a crucible to describe this. You can watch the video here.

The Crucible is used to refine precious metal in the hottest part of the fire, bringing impurities to the surface, just like a picture of Biblical sanctification

The silversmith knows the refinement of a precious metal is finally completed when the metal shines and he can see the reflection of his face upon it. “When I can see my image on it” he responded. "That's when the work is complete".

This is profound.

Though tests and trials can be tough, and they often are, we know they are working for our ultimate good, and will gradually refine us into the image of Christ the Lord. This is the goal of progressive sanctification.

I know how much I need the pride burned off, the evils of my own heart brought to the surface and dealt with. I don't want the old dross weighing me down, affecting my ability or effectiveness to serve Christ, or to take away any glory from Him.

He must increase, but I must decrease. 
- John 3:30 (KJV)

I want to be a faithful servant, more obedient to Him, and pleasing in His sight. At the same time I know, through many of the mistakes, sins and errors I've made, that this power isn't found in me, but in the power of His Spirit and work in my life. Without Him I can do nothing.

Lord sanctify me and prepare me for your Kingdom. Burn off in the crucible anything that displeases You.

“Trials are intended to make us think, to wean us from the world, to send us to the Bible, to drive us to our knees.”

— J. C. Ryle

For further information on this topic, check out this video. We also have another article on this website that further discusses the purpose of suffering for Christ.