July 31

For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within. — 2 Cor 7:5 BSB

Why does God lead us through such constant pressure and trial? It’s because His strength and grace shine brightest when we are under pressure. "The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us."

It teaches us dependence on Him. God continually works to show us our need for Him, holding us in His hand, relying solely on His care.

Jesus Himself stood in this place of dependence, and He wants us to stand there too—not with self-sufficiency, but with a hand always resting on His, trusting Him for every step.

Faith is learned through trials. It’s God’s school of faith, and it’s far better to learn to trust God than to live an easy life.

Once learned, faith is an everlasting treasure, an eternal fortune. Without faith, even earthly riches leave us poor.