by Vance Havner

But he [chastens us] for our profit… Hebrews 12:10

The flame shall not hurt thee—I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

Sometimes God Chastens us and sometimes Satan sifts us.

God’s purpose is to burn up the dross and refine the gold. Satan hopes to winnow out the wheat and leave only the chaff, but God can turn it around the other way. At any rate, our Father takes no pleasure in our sorrows and grief. His only design is to refine us. Alas, there is often so much dross and so little gold, so much chaff and so little wheat, so much wood, hay, and stubble, so little gold, silver, and precious stones! We may not have much left when He is finished with us, but a little gold is better than tons of chaff. It is a good day when we give up trash for treasure.

by Vance Havner