Chosen for Affliction

4/24/25 

The same morning of the dream, FIRE SEASON, a ‘fire professional’ (retired fireman friend) sent me an email with the same scripture I got in prayer: Isaiah 48:10: Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. The article titled “Chosen for Affliction.”

From Mike: “For whatever reason God has chosen us to bear in our body's sufferings for His glory. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:17.  It’s where I have lived for 32 years with Jesus as my constant companion.  He’s given me His attitude about the cancer and walked me through the tuff times. Carried me through the unbearable times of pain as a witness to all who watched the many surgeries and treatments.  What a ride on the path many others have travelled as well.  When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4.

March 3, 2025

Isaiah 48:10: Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Comfort yourself, tried believer, with this thought: God says, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” [KJV]. Does not the Word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not a protective shield, against which the heat has no power? Let affliction come—God has chosen me. Poverty, you may stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, you may intrude, but I have balsam ready—God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has “chosen” me.

If, believer, you require still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sits by your side One whom you have not seen, but whom you love; and often when you do not know it, He comforts you in your affliction and softens the place of rest. You are in poverty; but in your lovely house the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places, that He may visit you. Your friend sticks closely to you. You cannot see Him, but you may feel the pressure of His hands. Do you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

Remember that noble speech of Caesar: “Fear not, you carry Caesar and all his fortune.” Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In all your difficult trials, His presence is both your comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. “Fear not, for I am with you” is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the “furnace of affliction.” Will you not, then, take hold of Christ and say:

Through floods and flames, if Jesus leads,
I’ll follow where He goes.