September 28

so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Pet 1:7 BSB

Our trials are great opportunities, though we often see them as obstacles. What peace and power we would experience if we recognized every difficult situation as a chance for God to demonstrate His love and power. Instead of expecting defeat, we should look for signs of His glorious intervention. Then, every cloud would become a rainbow, every mountain a path to ascension and transformation.

Looking back, many of us can see that the times when our Father chose to give us the greatest blessings were when we felt most hemmed in by troubles. God’s gifts often come in rough packages, but inside, we find treasures from the King’s palace.

Fire of God, thy work begin,
Burn up the dross of self and sin;
Burn off my fetters, set me free,
And through the furnace walk with me.