Which other Bible passages discuss God's testing and refining of His people? Psalm 66:11 in Context • “You led us into the net; You laid burdens on our backs.” (Psalm 66:11) • The surrounding verses frame the picture: – “For You, O God, have tested us; You refined us like silver.” (v. 10) – “You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.” (v. 12) • God Himself engineers the pressure, carries His people through it, and brings them out richer in holiness and joy. Old-Testament Snapshots of God’s Refining Work • The smelter’s fire – Proverbs 17:3 “A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.” – Isaiah 48:10 “See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” – Zechariah 13:9 “This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold…” – Malachi 3:2-3 “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi…” • Wilderness classroom – Deuteronomy 8:2 “…that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart…” – Deuteronomy 8:16 “…to humble and test you so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.” – Exodus 20:20 “God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” • Personal heart-checks – Job 23:10 “…when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” – Psalm 17:3 “You have tested me and found no evil…” – Psalm 26:2 “Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.” • National proving grounds – Judges 3:1-4 (The leftover nations) “…were left to test Israel…” New-Testament Insights on Faith Refined • 1 Peter 1:6-7 “…the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor…” • James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy… because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” • Hebrews 12:5-11 “God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.” • Romans 5:3-5 “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” • 1 Corinthians 3:13 “…the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” • Revelation 3:18 “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich…” Shared Themes to Notice • God—not chance—controls the furnace. • Testing exposes what is already there and burns away what should not remain. • The outcome is always aimed at greater holiness, deeper trust, and richer fellowship with Him. Living the Lesson Today • Expect the heat: every believer enters God’s refining workshop. • Trust the Refiner: His hand is steady, His timing perfect, His goal our good. • Look for the shine: on the other side of testing stands a faith that reflects His glory more clearly. |
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