Refined

As my heart was rung of its tears,

And my knees ached from hitting the floor,

I cried aloud,

“Why Lord? Why so hard?”

But You lifted my face to Yours,

And placing Your hand on my heart,

Softly whispered,

“My child! You are silver being refined.

“Just as the refiner of metals

Searches for his reflection in the crucible,

I must search for My Likeness

In the pools of your heart.

“Refining is not easy

For you or for Me.

Blood poured from My brow

For a glimpse of Me in you.

“And while you can only see

The tangled threads of life,

Oh, what a glorious,

Beautiful tapestry is being woven!

“Do not lose heart, my child!

I will never leave you nor forsake you,

Nor will I heat the fire

Hotter than you can bear.”