They are in the R’s, but Rush & Refining are not on the Same Shelf!
These polar opposites draw appreciation more by seeing the premature and undeveloped results of Rushing, in comparison to the completeness and wholeness of the Refining process. It is an interesting phenomenon how much more we like things that require a process, but tend to migrate to that which gives a Rush Order option. It is like we have settled for a lowering in quality for the opportunity to lessen the wait.
We live in a society that gives kudos for always beating the deadline, no matter how many corners were cut. More modern cars are said to be safer with regards to the measures like air bags and vehicle design. However, old cars can be more reliable in the sense of simplicity, repairability, and predictable long-term behavior when properly maintained. -Carbuzz citing
People often lauded the old selection of cars as being “built to last.” The Rush comes with convenience, and it certainly has its place. However, there are crucial elements missed with going for that “R” every time, rather than the “R” that goes contrary to the speed deadline- Refining. Rushing often encapsulates the task of doing, but not always retaining. Its focus is more in the finished product than the sustainability and longevity of what is produced.
Rushing can cause a lot of parts to be missed. It is like the individual who puts an object together and in their haste, they opt out of reading the instructions and end up with an erected product and several parts on the floor, that should have been a part of the assemble. Therefore, down the line, they find a product that once was being used for its function, now vertically-challenged because it is now leaning. The Road to Rush was chosen over the Road to Refine!
Now, let’s talk about that “R” that leads to a staying power. What does it mean to be refined in God? Strong’s Concordance defines Refining as purification and testing, using the metaphor of a goldsmith separating precious metals from impurities. Malachi 3:1-4 says,
“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will prepare and clear the way before Me. And the Lord [the Messiah], whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap [which removes impurities and uncleanness]. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi [the priests], and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord [grain] offerings in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in ancient years.” It is the purification process that makes us pleasing and accepting to the Father.
One of the epiphanies I find myself embracing more and more is to understand that a Sovereign God is not in need of a Rush Order. In all of His Splendor, He does a miraculous work in the ticking of time. There is nothing like walking in a room He burned the impurities out of you to not only enter, but stay in! Many have access, but not the Seal of Acceptance from Heaven.
Allow the close to highlight the fable of Aesop, of the tortoise & hare. Slow and Steady won a race that many would have thought speed would have taken. Rush may sleep on Refining like the hare did concerning the tortoise, but it will never be able to second guess its finish. Allow the Refiner to prepare you not only for the Race, but The Finish!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work:
Jot down in your Divine Design Journal your thoughts concerning the differences between rushing & refining. Do you struggle with meeting deadlines and pacing yourself?
Pray:
Father God, there is so much to learn about being still in You. You are a Good Father in how you teach us! Thank you for the example we see through Your Son’s life of how He lived on earth. Continue to refine us and prepare us to carry out Your Will. We are eternally grateful. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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