The ocean waves on the beach are a perfect example of Papas refining love. The waves are never ending and empowered by an unseen force. In every variation from gentle lapping to roaring thunderous destruction they clean away what is no longer needed to be perfect grains. Are we not being conformed into His perfect image, Jesus, more and more every day.

Can we as the sand on the beach ever escape the grinding and polishing action? Why would we want to do that?  Being removed from His continuous loving discipline would actually be more painful than any amount of discomfort as we are transformed into His likeness.

It’s just like Papa to use our brothers and sisters to grind off our rough edges.  We are to be sharpened by each other as iron on iron.  We are all transformed by our interactions with other believers in day to day life.  Holy Spirit transformed our inner man but we must work it out in the context of fellowship.   While this can lead to painful episodes it also provides us with many opportunities for joy and blessing.

The grinding prepares us for the refiners fire which does double action in us.  Burning off that which is not for our good and proving the precious gifts within.  So let’s always welcome the refining knowing it is ultimately for our good.