Our Refining

When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. … For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. … I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. … In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. … We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. … You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. … 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.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Jo 23:10, Ps 66:10, Is 48:10; 1Pe 4:12, 1Pe 1:6-7; Ja 1:2-3, Ro 5:3-6, He 10:36, 1Pe 5:10; Jh 16:33