Our Scripture reading today is Isaiah 48:10, "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
The refining process for metals requires great heat. This heat separates the impurities from the precious metals to make them more pure and valuable. With this illustration in mind, the prophet Isaiah writes that we, too, are being refined in a different kind of furnace. The word affliction means a cause of persistent pain or distress; great suffering. I think if we read through that definition a couple times, we will realize it represents a challenging time in ones life.
There is a divine purpose for the furnace of affliction. God is worthy of all the honour and glory we can bring Him. This furnace enables us to bring God all the glory He deserves. God gives the grace to go through these seasons. He is faithful!