“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah‬ ‭48:10‬ NIV

Heavenly Father, thank You for refining, reshaping, and renewing me. Thank You for every experience I’ve had in life, which has helped me to grow and mature in faith. I’m thankful not only for Your abundant blessings and favor but also, for those seasons of suffering.

You have used every heartache and hardship to refine me in the fire. Though it’s never pleasant when I’m in the midst of it, I always arise from the ashes purified. Whether you’re polishing my patience or sanding away my selfishness; You use it all for good. I have walked through the deepest depths of pain and suffering and through it all…You have never left me alone. I can now peer into the past and see the moments where You comforted me in my despair.

Father, I pray for those who are in the furnace of affliction right now. For the non-believers, I pray You would use this trial to strip away their pride and selfishness. Expose their weakness and help them to see their need for You. I also pray for those believers who are in a season of suffering and those who are feeling empty, hopeless, and sorrowful. Breathe new hope and life into their weary soul. Remind them of Your goodness and faithfulness. Help them to feel Your presence in the midst; give them new hope to cling to and peace in the pain.

Lord, may I continue to praise You in every moment, whether on the mountain top or in the furnace of affliction. Whatever the day or week or year may bring, You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I can take comfort in knowing that Your promises stand true and Your faithfulness endures. In Jesus’ name, amen.

~Anita Marie