Jeremiah the prophet, was used by God to speak an unpopular message to a backslidden people, who found themselves in a dangerous predicament because they had forsaken the Lord their God, “for the fear of God was not in them”. (Jeremiah 2:19b) Despite the downfalls of the society Jeremiah lived in, he was still able to be effective in delivery of God’s words, because he had consecrated (dedicated) and sanctified (set apart) himself for God’s purpose. His intent was to follow God, no matter what the outcome. And so, when God downloaded His message, he was ready. God’s word became in him like a ‘burning fire’ in his heart, ‘shut up in his bones’, and one he could not hold back.  

Consecration like that is available in these times. 

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:21,22) The vessel that has been purified and restored, will then be ready to carry the weight of His glory.  

This purity and wholeness comes from a refining process. For it is impossible for flesh to be controlled by the flesh. Similar to the refining process of metal, this process uses intense heat. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is accompanied with God’s love, for He cannot deny Himself. And just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked in the fiery furnace, a fourth man appeared in the fire with them – the likeness of the very Son of God!

And so for the brave, the faithful, and those committed to finishing their race, God proposes an invitation to meet Him in the Fire. When in this meeting, let the heart be ignited by His flame!

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed … As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Revelation 3:18-20.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a surrendered heart, longing to be refined by Your fire. Purify me, Lord. Just as Jeremiah could not hold back Your word, let Your truth consume me from the inside out. Give me the boldness to stand firm in my calling, even when faced with opposition. Meet me in the fire, O God, and let my life be a vessel for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that needs refining and surrender it to Him. Choose to embrace the refining process, knowing that on the other side of the fire, you will emerge as a purified vessel, ready for His glory.