Scripture Reading: Job 23:10
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Reflections: In a matter of days, Job lost all his possessions. His children were not spared either. They died too. Besides all these, he was stricken with painful infectious boils all over his body. His friends made matters worse when they visited him. They leveled false allegations against him and castigated him on every side. In his defense, he submitted that his predicament was a trial of his faith and that he was going to ‘come forth as gold’. His reference to gold in relation to his suffering indicates the process of gold fire assaying. This is the method by which gold ore is separated from impurities. It establishes the true worth and purity of the gold. By this we understand from Job that the trials of life (synonymous to the fire refining the gold) are not meant to break us but to churn out the best in us! This is confirmed by Peter in 1Peter 1:7 and by James in James 4:12. Don’t ever give up in life because of trials. Just hold on. Like Job, you will come forth as Gold!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to endure trials and to come forth as gold

Confession: Trials are part of the means to prove my allegiance to God. Anytime, anyhow, I shall endure by grace and come forth as gold.