Burnt Marshmallow // Pastor Jon Larson

Have you ever gone through something that was hard, maybe even painful, but after looking back, you were able to see how it made you stronger, more compassionate, or deepened your faith and reliance on God? Maybe it identified areas in your life where you needed to shift gears, change an attitude, or a certain behavior. That’s what God’s refining fire is like. It’s not just for warmth or comfort; it’s a tool of transformation. Much like how a fire brings out the flavor of a S’more, melting and softening the ingredients to make something richer and sweeter, God can often use the fire of life’s challenges to burn away what’s self-serving, strengthen what’s eternal, and reveal who we’re truly created to be in Christ. Refining isn’t easy, but it’s often where faith is deepened, character is shaped, and new life begins. This doesn’t mean God causes every hardship; tragedies happen, and life can change because of someone else’s choices or even our own. But God can work through it all to mold and shape us.