But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. — Job 23:10 NKJV

Reflection on Verse for Today

Neither Job’s faults nor God’s negligence resulted in the furnace of Job’s assignment. His burden of suffering served as a purifying ministry that the Lord had purposefully allowed to engulf His obedient servant. Although terrible, the fires of suffering have the power to either scorch and singe a servant of God or they can become a purifying instrument that shapes us into the person the Lord wants us to be by refining our character.

We are better prepared to face the purifying furnace of affliction in the knowledge that the tests and trials we are facing are only temporary when we realize that God’s will is to purge each of His children of all the accumulated dross and clutter of our lives and burn away everything that is of me, myself, and I: “And when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Despite the fact that Job could not comprehend why the furnace seemed to be heated seven times hotter, Job was a man who knew his God and trusted His Word. Like Job, we might not comprehend the divine reason for the terrible tests we must endure, but His Word serves as a reminder that God understands the plans He has for each of our lives—plans for good, not for evil. Let’s put our faith in His Word of truth because we know that when He tests us in His furnace of suffering, we will emerge as pure gold.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, I don’t comprehend all that is happening in my life, but You are in control of my circumstances and those of the people I care about. We are grateful that Your protection overshadows all we encounter. I pray that after being tested, I will also shine through like gold. I ask that I will put my faith in Your unwavering love and overcome my fear. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.