July 29, 2026

“I will put this third through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” – Zechariah 13:9

If you ever want to hear some horrible advice, read the words of the “friends” in the book of Job. Job is such a righteous man that God himself proclaims it. But as soon as he is faced with trials, many of his friends approach him and say that he must have done something wrong; he must have sinned and offended God in some horrible way for all these troubles to come upon him. That is not the truth at all. Though it is difficult to see what God is trying to accomplish, the story is very clear; Job is a good man.

We make the same mistake. When trials come, we ask, “what did I do to deserve this?!” We either feel horribly guilty or we get angry with God and accuse him of being unfair and fickle. But the truth is, God often does his greatest work in our lives through trials. Though sometimes we bring trouble on ourselves through our own actions, more often than not, God leads us through difficulties to strengthen us and draw us close to him. As counterintuitive as it may be, thank God for the hard times. Seek him more in the valley. Pray more fervently in the darkness. He is accomplishing great things. He allows the pain because he is purifying the one he loves.

Almighty God and Father, we thank You for the trials. Never leave us in a place of immaturity. Refine us and sanctify us so that we are useful for Your Kingdom and ready to stand before Your throne.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon