Jesus Christ Also "Remains"

Just as we are told to remain in Christ in John 14, I've discovered that
there is a place where Christ "remains" in our lives.
Our son has been going through a season of establishing his faith in
his Savior for himself. What I mean by that is that every one of us
must come to a place where we decide to serve Jesus Christ not
because our parents do, but because we as individuals have chosen
that we will serve Him all our days.
Matthew said to his dad and I last night that he is glad he's "made
that decision before he goes off to college." That brought a smile to
my face. One because I'm excited for him, and two because I
realize that he'll have to daily make that decision. Do you think he
knows that yet? No matter, God is in control in his life.
As I was pondering the last several months in Matthew's life, the Lord
brought to my heart the fact that he's been after his heart. He has
wanted Matthew's heart and He has been doing what is necessary to
get it.
As I pondered, I had my Bible open in my lap. When I looked down, I
saw this verse -
Proverbs 17:3 "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the
Lord tests the heart."
It was exciting to me that as my heart pondered the work of the Lord
in my son's heart, the Lord confirmed to me that I was thinking His
thoughts. Any time I am assured that I am in tune with God's heart,
it is a precious moment!
As I read more scripture pertaining to God testing and proving our hearts,
I came across a verse that I shared with Matthew to encourage him in
this season.
That verse is Malachi 3:3 - and the point of this entry's title.
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites
and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who
will bring offerings in righteousness."
That is what God has been doing in Matthew. And that is what God will
do in you and me. He will "sit as a refiner". The word "sit" means that He
will "remain" in a place as our refiner and purifier. I know that means
He will fulfill this special place our entire lives.
How do I know that? Because it will take our entire lives to give ourselves
to Him. It will take our entire lives to be conformed to the image of
Jesus Christ.
Lord, I'm thankful to know that as I remain "in" You, You will "remain" as
a refiner and purifier in my life, making me (a Levite - one who is "joined to"
God) ready to bring offerings in righteousness.