Friday, September 9, 2011

As Silver Refined (Review)

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 As Silver Refined, Learning to Embrace Life’s Disappointments, by Kay Arthur, is a look at the refining work on God in our lives. The author opens the book with a description of the lengthy refining process of silver. This includes repeatedly heating the silver to higher and higher temperatures. Each time, the process is carefully monitored by the silversmith, who gently scoops off the impurities that rise to the top. Eventually, when the craftsman is able to see his reflection in the silver, the process is complete. Likewise, God uses our trials and difficulties to refine us, enabling us to eventually reflect His glory. Because He loves us so much, He allows these refining trials to enter our lives in order that we may grow, mature, and give glory to Him.

Great analogy, isn’t it? And that is just the preface to the book!

This book is one of the best I’ve read about dealing with life’s disappointments. Kay Arthur encourages us to develop meekness, saying, “The meek focus on the Lord, not on self. Their happiness is in Him, not in their circumstances…Meekness is willing to wait patiently in the Lord.”  Even more than that, Romans 5 tells us to exult in our tribulations. We “don’t give up or walk away, because that very tribulation and your endurance under it will  make you more like Jesus Christ.”

This message in this book is very similar that of a favorite song of mine, “Blessings” by Laura Story.

But what if your blessings come through raindrops?

What if your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re near?

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?

I am learning to change the way I view the trials in life. I am learning to welcome them as God’s will for my growth in Him. This is a great book that I highly recommend for anyone who wants to grow in faith!

You can read Chapter One of As Silver Refined here.

I received a free review copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the review! This looks like a wonderful book! I think I need to add it to my wishlist.

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