My sister was a believer from early childhood and faithfully served the Lord all the days of her life. When she was stricken with cancer in July 2009, she began a nearly-five-year journey through the valley of suffering. In the process she was conformed more and more to the image of Christ. Nothing was dearer to her than her well-worn Bible, marked and stained with her tears. As the end drew near to sit with her was like sitting at the feet of Jesus. Suffering had done its redemptive work!
“For [God]… will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.”
— Malachi 3:2–3 (NIV)
Father God, I realize that suffering is simply a tool in Your hand. Use it to reveal Your image in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.