Genesis 18:1-33; Job 21:1-34; Matthew 10:1-23
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10
In the visitors’ centre at Pelee National Park in Canada, there is a display that explains how conservation officers worked to restore the natural landscape of the park after years of neglect. Entitled “Fires for Good”, it notes that carefully prescribed fires were used to destroy what was detrimental to the land, and allow what was beneficial to thrive. The explanation concludes: “These actions may appear destructive at first, but they are essential to restoration
and renewal”. How comforting to realize that if we are enduring what seems like destructive trials, the Lord has allowed them as an essential part of our restoration and renewal. —Lynn Shatford
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. —Unknown