Hey Dave and Irene,

I’ve been following the journey you’re on and want to add my prayers and appreciation for your faithfulness in trusting the Lord for his protection and provision. It’s hard for me to imagine the level of difficulty and stress this phase of your life must take on your family. A passage of scripture came to mind as I was reading about the crucible experience on your update page.

In Isaiah 1:25 the Lord says that “I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities” in talking to the children of Israel. The passage is a picture of the metal workers in ancient days who poured metal into big pots heated by hot fires. As the metal/rock melted, the impurities (dross) would rise to the surface. The worker would use a ladle to skim the surface of the pot and remove the impurities as they released from the hard and crusty rock. The workman would lean in and look into the surface of the pot. When the pot was cleared of all impurities the surface would reflect the image of the worker, like a mirror. At that point, the worker knew the metal was pure and usable, ready to be formed into a beautiful lasting treasure.

In the same way the Lord is working to cleanse us of impurities and imperfections in our life. He is allowing the “heating and stirring” of our lives to skim away the impurities. When he can lean in and see his reflection in our lives, he knows that we are truly usable and reflecting his glory. PTL! How beautiful the Dias household must be to the Lord!

Blessings to you today,

John