The Fire
by:Rachel
The Fire
“The old refiner never leaves his crucible, but sits down by it, lest there should be one excessive degree of heat to mar the metal. But as soon as he skims from the surface the last of the dross and sees his own face reflected, he puts out the fire.” ~Arthur T. Pearson
Date: December 2002 – January 2003
Location: Campobasso and Monfalcone, Italy
I drew this picture during my nine month internship in Italy. It was a difficult time in my life and God spoke to me by the above quote along with the Apostle Peter’s words in I Peter 1:3-9. Below, I’ve put the passage in context, but the words that especially touched me are in bold. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith— the salvation of your souls.“