The hardness of metal makes it difficult to bend into any shape we want. Once forged into the proper shape with fire, however, that same hardness is what makes metal so useful and reliable. In the same way, God uses fire to forge our faith into the specific shape he desires. This week we see how God forges our faith in the fire of trials. Jesus promises that our lives as his followers will not always be easy. We will face hardship and opposition. He also promises, however, to use these trials as opportunities for us to confess our faith. The devil’s best attempts to silence the gospel only serve to spread it further that more might come to know Christ’s saving name.