We may ask why do we have to go through so much at times? And why it seems God is so far away, but have you ever noticed it is in the hardest and the darkest time that Gods presence shines forth! When we rely on the strength of God and not our own then he steps in and shows his awesome power! For we are chosen in what seems like the most impossible and difficult times (Isaiah 48:10)  Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

 We have heard the saying some are rough cut, or they are a diamond in the rough and just need a little polishing. Many of us start out so far from God we feel there’s no way to return to him, but his grace is sufficient for us when we repent and turn to him. When we stay the course and stand on our faith God truly does take notice. (Hebrews 12:11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievious: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

 We are told the day of the Lord will be a dreaded day for some, as the land will be purified and all will be refined at the Lord’s presence! “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap”.(Malachi 3:1,2).