And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

 Gold ore has many impurities that need to be removed, to make the gold pure and ready for use. Pressure is applied to crush the ore. Applying great heat melts the gold and burns most of the contaminants away. Then chemicals are used to extract the last metal pollutants. Lastly, heat is applied again so that the gold can be shaped into usable items. In a way that is what happens to us. Everyone is subject to suffering because we live in a world of sin. God does not cause the trials but he sometimes allows them so our characters will be refined. Psalm 66:10 says, For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. God wants us to grow more and more like him. Unfortunately, it seems we do not learn well, unless forced to, by painful circumstances. The suffering also tests us, to see if our hearts are faithful to God. So, hang in when trouble surrounds you, for God has promised to be with you, and restore you hereafter.

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