Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
In this speech of Job’s God actually gives us three promises: 1) God knows my way, the way that I take; 2) He will try (test, prove) me, like gold is refined in an extremely hot furnace; 3) I will come forth like gold, like a bride that will be beautified and purified.
Jesus knows His sheep. He knows just what we need to put us on the right way and keep us there. He knows my way better than I do. He knows where I’ve been, how I got here, and how to get to the right place.
Honestly, when we are going through the midst of a trial of affliction it doesn’t really help much to know God is doing good for me in the refining process, but when we look back in reflection it is helpful to know God did something good. The Lord heats up the refining furnace, and just when we think we can’t take it any more He turns up the heat. He sees the impurities we can’t see and proceeds with the right purifying process.
In God’s good hands the final result is holiness, which looks like refined pure gold. The final purifying trial will be our own physical death. Then we will finally be pure and holy forever. We will be “like God.” We will see Him as He is and perfectly reflect His glory.
When we believe this “golden” promise we can live through minor irritations and huge catastrophes without complaining. Thank God in everything and for everything. God is always good, as good as gold, and He is always working all things together for good. And thank Him for the furnace!