Treasured Truths Refined Through Fire

When life throws you curve balls, God can hit a home run. A story about a family that faces trials of great loss, their personal treasures, collectables, all gone up in smoke. Their future plans and dreams seemed to have collapsed, along with the building that held their memories. Yet God demonstrates His sovereignty over their lives and brings about a different destiny for each of them, a stable home with friends, new business ventures, new goals, and love. Faith and hope rise from the ashes through their refining fire. Their story unfolds as stated in Zechariah 13:9 (NKJV) "I will bring the one third through the fire, 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, 'This is My people'; And each one will say, 'The LORD is my God." Through their tragedy, great generosity is witnessed, which builds faith among many, increasing the numbers coming to Jesus. God's plans are always better than our own. The true treasure is found where God is working in their lives. They needed to search for the truths of where He has been, to recognize the true value in what He has done for them. "Provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead or mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)