Walking With Christ

Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.(ESV)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been told to be “on fire” for the Lord. The expectation was perfection, always being ready for Jesus’ return. This constant pressure made me feel like a failure whenever I didn’t measure up. It left me vulnerable to doubts and fears, struggling to maintain an impossible standard.

The refining process in Isaiah can be applied to life. Just as metals are purified through precise heating and cooling, we go through cycles of trials and rest. Too little heat leaves impurities; too much ruins the metal. Similarly, plants grow and rest, reinforcing themselves during downtime.

Even Jesus needed rest. Many biblical figures experienced doubt and rest before or after major trials. The Christian walk isn’t about constant, consuming fire but steady progress towards Jesus, with necessary periods of rest and reflection.

It’s ok to not feel “on fire” all the time. It’s ok to rest and not always be perfect. Taking time to rest is when we often meet the most important people and moments in our lives.