Malachi 3:2-3 says, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire and like cleansing lye. 3 He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver…”
A certain woman read this verse and was intrigued by the phrase “He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver,” so she decided to visit a silversmith and inquire about his trade. She went and begged a local silversmith to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her. "But sir," she said, "do you just sit while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh yes, madam," replied the silversmith. "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured." The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the phrase; “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random. As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, "By the way, the only way I know when the process of purifying is complete is by seeing my own image reflected in the silver."
-Unknown