Refining Gold

"And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made:" Exodus 25:31. The golden candlestick or lampstand in the Tabernacle was the only piece of furniture in the tabernacle made of solid gold (representing purity). It was beaten and fashioned out of a single block of gold. It had three branches coming out of each side of the center shaft, thus giving it seven (representing perfection) flames. It was the only light inside the Holy Place and was lit permanently.
For the gold to be useable it had to be refined. The refining process brings the gold to such a temperature that the impurities surface and then they are separated from the element. God's desire is to use situations and circumstances to "surface" our impurities so that we may repent and have them cleansed from our heart. Once we are clean, we can be a better reflector of His Glory, Mercy and Grace. Although the refining process is painful at best, the end result is well worth the cost!
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:7-9.
Be encouraged! You are starting to shine!! :)