The furnace of affliction!

The apostles had a clear picture of the fact that we had to undergo various trials and tribulations during our spiritual journey here on earth. Peter declares that we ought not to be surprised at the fiery ordeals that we may have to undergo. Paul goes so far as to claim that we are undergoing the sufferings of Christ Himself. In all these, we find that God does not want us to be taken aback when difficulties come our way. We have been given the false notion that walking with God involves as little trouble as possible and that every difficulty should vanish when we declare victory over it. The Bible gives us a different story. 
May we see that the furnace of affliction is necessary to purify us like gold. May we learn to share in the sufferings of Christ, fully aware that it is a vital part of our sanctification process. God is not unmindful of the storm that comes our way. In fact, He is sometimes the One who sends the storm. The lessons of perseverance are one of the most vital ones. Let's have a healthy view of our distresses. We need them as much as we need God. since God is the One walking with us through it.