But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].
Job 23:10 AMPC
One of the processes of refining gold is the Miller process. The impure gold is subjected to heat until it reaches the melting point and gaseous chlorine is blown to it so that the impurities form a chloride compound which then separate into a layer on the surface of the molten gold. Imagine the amount of heat that this gold has already been subjected to, yet it only produces about 99.5 percent purity.
Job, in his suffering and affliction, coupled with the unhelpful counsel from his friends whom he referred to as “miserable comforters” (Job 16:2), exclaimed with strong acknowledgement here that his momentary experience is but a trial from the Lord. Let’s now take a closer look at his words from this verse, trusting that the Lord will help us gain a deeper insight.
The first thing I would like us to see is the acknowledgement of “the way” he was taking. He was certain that the Lord knew and approved of his way. Many of us also live with the certainty that the Lord is aware of our ways, but how much consideration do we give to whether these ways are pleasing to Him or not? Our greatest desire must be to walk in the way that is pleasing to God.
Next, he knew that the suffering and afflictions had duration. He knew that the trial was not eternal, thus, he said “When He has tried me, I shall…” He acknowledged that no matter how long this suffering and pains may last, the time of his manifestation shall surely come. How quickly do we lose hope when in the midst of a difficult situation? We do not take any of God’s words to heart, so we go about only murmuring and lamenting. If we could only figure out what God has said concerning us and meditate on these things, then our response to trials would be like that of Job.
…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5b
Furthermore, Job acknowledged that his present suffering and afflictions is but a trial and that it is also a process of refinement. He realized that the fire that had ‘burned’ him to this melting point would only leave him purer and not burnt. The manifestation that he’s hoping for is that which will make him pure and luminous as refined gold.
In conclusion, may I ask you to please take a moment and reflect on “the way” you’re threading. The only way that leads to the Father is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Will the fire that is meant to refine you not burn you if it comes to test you? What would be your own manifestation? Will you come forth as refined gold or as ashes?