July 22, 2026
— Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity · Source: "Longobardo, Niccolò" (by Chen Qingwei, drawing on Louis Pfister's Notices biographiques et bibliographiques)
Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace for refining gold, but the Lord refines the heart.
Gold and silver shed their impurities in the fire, revealing their purity; similarly, the human heart is refined through the trials and tribulations of time, developing resilience. We often feel discouraged in times of hardship and adversity, neglecting the fact that this may be the cradle where God tempers our faith. Suffering itself is not the goal, but rather it is through the fire that worldly restlessness is washed away, allowing the roots of faith to extend deeper, thus attaining an unwavering heavenly hope.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for watching over me in the crucible of life. When storms and hardships come, grant me unwavering faith, so that I may not be swayed by the turbulent circumstances, but only look to Your salvation. Refine my heart with truth, remove the impurities and vanities within, and make my love rooted and grounded. May every trial become an opportunity for me to draw closer to You, and live out heavenly peace. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!