In a culture that rewards speed and constant motion, the Holy Spirit invites us to slow down. When you pause and reflect, you allow God to cut through the clutter. Stillness is not weakness—it’s sacred space. It’s where clarity comes, truth settles in, and your next steps are shaped by heaven.
The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” Now this phrase, “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old world order, so only what is shakeable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is holy, devouring fire! —Hebrews 12:26-29 TPT
Many years ago, I was asked, “What’s your burn?”
I had no idea at the time how much that question would shift my understanding of my spiritual walk. Now, I pass that same question onto you: What’s your burn?
As we explored in yesterday’s devotional, the troubles and trials of life, though not caused by God, are always used by Him to shape us into maturity and completeness—reflecting Jesus. That means, nothing goes unseen by God and nothing is wasted. God’s ultimate goal for us on this side of heaven is to look more like Christ. That is the why.
But how does God accomplish this? How does He refine us into His image?
Through His refining fire.
As humans, we are oftentimes shaped by our upbringing, our experiences, personal interpretations, external influences, and even unprocessed pain. Even in the best environments, we are still born into sin. That means, as we grow in our walk with the Lord, we must be re-shaped by Him, refined in Him. This is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process of alignment between us and a holy, righteous God who wants us to become more like Him.
Sooooooooo, I must ask: Have you felt the pressure recently? Maybe you’ve sensed a shaking—whether within you or around you, in your circumstances, in your family or business. Maybe you’ve felt it within friendships or within the church you attend. Perhaps, you are being refined.
For some, refining feels like relentless pressure. For others, it may seem like one obstacle after another, or like a series of emotional, financial, or relational struggles. But no matter how it manifests, the refining process is always spiritual. Always.
Scripture tells us, The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” Now this phrase, “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old world order, so only what is unshakeable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is holy, devouring fire! (Hebrews 12:26-29 TPT). This is the refiner’s fire.
In the Bible, the term “refiner’s fire” refers to the process of purifying precious metals like silver or gold. Through intense heat, impurities rise to the surface and are removed, leaving the metal in its purest form. Likewise, God uses the trials and difficulties of life to refine our faith and mold us into Christ's image. Though it’s easy to believe that things are happening to you, we must remember that in the Kingdom, things always happen for you. What feels like a shaking or even breaking, is God transforming us into the truest, purest form of our God-given identity. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s always purposeful.
Let the shaking you feel break off the old mindsets, habits, and beliefs that no longer serve you. Let the pressure shape you so you reflect more of Jesus. Let the refining fire purify you and sanctify you for the Lord. Let the tension you feel draw you closer to God, not push you farther away. Allow it to strengthen your resolve, to separate your dreams from your fears, to tear down anything that stands against the truth of Christ.
Hardship is inevitable, but the choice to allow it to refine you into Christlikeness is up to you. Don’t resist the fire; surrender to it. Though you may feel pressed and shaken, be unmovable.
This is the hour to be refined, purified, and set apart. It is an hour to embrace the new and let go of the old as you are shaped and refined to be His ready bride.
May you feel the burn and may you become refiner’s fire.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Make Space for Stillness
Give God uninterrupted attention. Even if just 10 minutes.
👉 Practical tip: Set a timer. No phone. No multitasking. Just Him.
Step 2: Ask What’s Being Shaken
Pray, “God, what are You refining in me?”
👉 Practical tip: Write the word burn at the top of your journal page. See what comes out.
Step 3: Lay it Down
Offer one thing that no longer serves your future. Let it go into the fire.
👉 Practical tip: Physically write it down and toss the paper or burn it (safely).
💥 Don’t fear the fire. Let it burn away the old. You’re being refined, not destroyed.
When you make space to pause and reflect, you find your burn and give God room to reset your vision. Watch this video on how to break free as a visionary, explore my book, or grab a devotional resource to embrace stillness with purpose.
