The Call to Be Refined: A 90-Day Journey of Fire, Faith, and Formation
A call to trade comfort for calling, surface faith for transformation, and self-will for God’s will.
By Chris Thomas • Updated August 22, 2025 • 7 min read
“For our God is a consuming fire.” — Hebrews 12:29 (ESV)
Context: Written to remind believers that God’s holiness both purifies and shakes what is temporary so that only the eternal remains.
Refinement is not about willpower; it’s about surrender to the consuming fire of God.
Why Refinement?
Every generation faces a choice: live comfortably in the world’s patterns, or be refined into the likeness of Christ.
Fire doesn’t just warm—it tests, purifies, and reveals. The 90-Day Kingdom Refinement Challenge was birthed from this conviction: that transformation comes not by trying harder, but by letting God strip away what doesn’t belong and shape us into vessels worthy of His Kingdom.
“Refinement isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.”
The Three Struggles of Refinement
1. The Struggle With Alignment
We live fractured lives—one foot in God’s Kingdom, another in the world. We pray on Sunday, then chase our own desires the rest of the week.
Alignment means bringing every part of who we are—mind, body, spirit, finances, and relationships—into God’s order. It feels costly because it demands discipline and a rejection of compromise.
2. The Struggle With Surrender
Surrender is the Kingdom’s definition of strength, yet we resist it because control feels safe.
But control is an illusion. Willpower burns out. Transformation begins where striving ends—at the altar of surrender: “Lord, have Your way in me.”
3. The Struggle With Obedience
Obedience is simple—when God speaks, we act. But it is rarely easy. We negotiate, delay, or justify.
Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Every command tests our trust: Do we believe God more than our fear?
How Refinement Happens
The good news: God never calls us to refinement without giving us the means.
Through His Word, He realigns us to truth.
Through prayer and fasting, He teaches surrender.
Through daily disciplines and community, He trains us in obedience.
The fire doesn’t destroy—it purifies. Refinement isn’t about proving our worth; it’s about allowing the Spirit to form Christ within us.
5 Steps to Embrace Refinement
Recognize the call — Admit where comfort has kept you stuck.
Realign daily — Anchor your life in Scripture and prayer.
Release control — Pray specifically what you’ve been clutching.
Respond quickly — Act on God’s Word without delay.
Rely on community — Walk with others who sharpen and encourage.
Reflection & Response
Reflect: Where in your life are you resisting God’s fire—alignment, surrender, or obedience?
Act this week: Choose one area to realign with God’s order. Share it with a trusted friend.
Pray: “Father, refine me by Your Spirit. Burn away what is not of You, and form me into a vessel of Your Kingdom.”
Further Scripture: Romans 12:1–2, 1 Peter 1:6–7, John 15:4–5.
FAQs
Q1. Is refinement just about self-discipline?
No—discipline matters, but true refinement is the Spirit’s work. Our role is surrender and obedience.
Q2. Does refinement mean God is angry with me?
No. Refinement is evidence of God’s love: “The Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6).
The Invitation
This is more than a challenge. It is a call. A call to those tired of shallow faith, tired of compromise, tired of cycles.
For the next 90 days, we are saying yes to the fire, yes to discipline, yes to transformation. Not by our might, but by the Spirit who works in us.
Join the 90-Day Kingdom Refinement Challenge today—and step into alignment, surrender, and obedience that will reshape your life for the Kingdom.
