“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tested {to examine} you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, For My own sake I do this…”-{Isaiah 48:10-11}.
God is intimately, personally involved in your life and the spiritual development of it. One tool He uses is “the furnace of affliction.” Trust and yield to Him in such times. He is not out to destroy but to develop, and display Himself to and through you. Know “the furnace of affliction” is not outside His knowledge or control, compassion or care for you. “…afflictions are chosen and appointed for the people of God, and they are chosen for and appointed unto affliction, ( Job 23:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:3 )”-{ John Gill}
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”{1 Peter 4:12}
* He Designs The Furnace of afflictions -{1 Thess 3:3}}
* He Develops IN the Furnace of afflictions -{ James 1:2-5}
* He Displays Himself TO you and THROUGH you In Furnace afflictions-{Jn 6:6}
* He Determines the Length, of each Furnace of Affliction . {1 Peter 5:10}
* He Dispenses His comfort to you and equips and commissions you to comfort others in their afflictions with His comfort -{2 Cor 1:4}
“I have refined you… I have tested you …in the furnace of affliction.{suffering}”- “…I have Tested you in the furnace of affliction.”
He is the owner , Author and Controller of this world and all of creation. He is the Center of it, not us. He does what He does “for My own sake!” He has His reasons. He is intimately involved in all the details, to fulfills His purposes. He personally undertakes and is always, always in control! Be encouraged,- “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”- ( Job 23:10).