Just like gold going through the purification process, Christians are called into the fire so as to purify us from all unrighteousness. The process is not pleasant, but it yields great worth! Yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ve heard this before and it’s not helping you now. There is no other way to go through the sanctification process. Sanctification is the process of something being refined from being in a state of contamination and corruption into a state of holiness and, ultimately, perfection.
When Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were thrust into the Babylonian furnace reserved for those who refused to kowtow to the golden statue Nebuchadnezzar had installed as an idol, they most likely figured they would die. However, we realize that it was actually (pre-incarnate) Jesus who appeared to them in that furnace.
Now, God doesn’t operate in all the same ways all the time, but let me tell you this: I got my greatest breakthroughs by praying in the Holy Spirit, or “in the Spirit” as Paul mentions in Ephesians 6. Praying in the Spirit is when you have a prayer language (tongue) that Jesus gave you when He baptized you in the Holy Spirit.*
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The “Refiner’s Fire” is what coaxes out the dross through its very high heat. A temperature of 1764° Fahrenheit is what it takes for the fire to melt silver and the refiner gets sweaty and must keep constant watch over the process to ensure proper maintenance of the silver’s separation. Then, when the cycle of purification is completed, it is then poured out of the kettle and into a mold. In other words, we are melted down, so to speak, to fit the mold of the Son of God. Jesus endured tremendous persecution and a viciously hellish torturing process and crucifixion — and He did nothing wrong! People suffering from depression (just like everyone else) have done many things wrong (sins) and must confess their sins and forgive those who have hurt you AND you must repent.
There is no transformation without repentance; I can assure you of that truth. As a person suffering with depression, you have arrived at a place of spiritual persecution whereas the devil and his demons have attacked you to draw you completely away from God so they can get you to do their bidding. If they can convince you that God is not good and that He does not care, they know you will fall for their other lies, as well.
But just as Jesus revealed Himself in the fire with the three young men, He is right there with us in our fire/trials. He is Master over the elements. He created them. In other words, He IS the fire. Holy Spirit is the One purifying us from all unrighteousness. Why should we resist His presence - ever? Especially when He is busy turning around all things for our good! (Remember: it’s NOT God who is harming you — that’s Satan — it’s Jesus who remains with you as you endure the hardships. The more sanctification a person goes through, the less the devil has to get over on you.)
God simply wants you to live the life He created you to live and anything that would get in the way of your total fulfillment of His perfect will for your life must go! It always leaves us in the presence of His Holy Fire! After a few passes in His Holy Spirit fire, you will learn to actually ENJOY the sanctification process. Really! Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father God, I know it is Your will that I be filled with Your Holy Spirit and maintain an intimate relationship with You. I seek that baptism today. Pour over me Your loving grace and tender mercies. I want nothing to remain in the way of a perfect oneness with You. I want us to live as one and completely unified in life, value, and purpose. Help me to remain in the fire when You call me into it. I realize it’s always for my benefit and I submit to You again. Show me what I must do, day by day, to grow into the likeness of Jesus! I thank You, my Lord for Your patience with me as I have moaned and groaned and complained about my suffering, but I accept this as a pathway to peace. If Jesus could handle that horrific flogging, scourging, and Crucifixion, I can certainly handle what I am going through because I know You are with me in my trials. Thank You, Lord, for Your hand of grace on me today. In Jesus’ name, amen!
* The baptism of the Holy Spirit is easy for you to receive. Simply pray in earnest and receive His Spirit. You will know you have received when you begin speaking in an unintelligible, heavenly “tongue.” The prayer language is the initial physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Enjoy your newfound connection to our Lord by praying in the Spirit on all occasions! God bless!
“18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Special thanks to Ted Larson for the use of the awesome banner picture.