"MY STROKE IS HEAVIER THAN MY GROANING." Job’s complaint was bitter. The furnace of affliction was hot. It was heated seven times hotter than ever. But he was conscious of his integrity. He knew that though he was imperfect, he was sincere. He knew that he had a living Redeemer, that his God knew his heart, his motives, his desires, and his pathway. Therefore he felt confident that he would not be consumed in God’s furnace of testing, only refined. This is the design of all God’s trials. They are to make us fit for the Master’s use, to make us reflect the Saviour’s image, to fit us for eternal glory. However fierce the fire, we shall lose nothing but our dross. Our eternal interests are safe. Our God is immutably the same. This is our security. He says, "I am Jehovah, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." He sits by the furnace as the Refiner; He superintends the whole process of purification, and He removes the fire the moment the design is accomplished. Tried Christian, your God is refining you, His design is most loving: He will take care of you. Let not your faith flag, or your courage droop; but say with Job, "He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

For Meditation:
In fiery trials and distress,
I will thy promise hold;
Thou wilt my soul in trouble bless,
I shall come forth as gold.