You are the one who has done this!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

"I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9

"For You, O God, have tried us; You refined us like silver." Psalm 66:10

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

"I will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested." Zechariah 13:9

"Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19

"He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold!" Job 23:1

Though Job was presently in as hot a furnace as he could possibly endure—he yet believed that he was put into it by a skillful Refiner, for the purifying of his soul from dross.

Those who are truly godly, learn to view the hand of God both in their comforts and in their troubles. They know that affliction does not come by chance, but from the hand of Him who directs everything with consummate wisdom. "Affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground!" Job 5:6

The ungodly look no further than to second causes; and therefore yield to murmuring and impatience whenever they receive harm from the hand of their fellow-creatures.

But the godly are persuaded that their portion, whatever it is—is mixed for them by God Himself, and that it is intended "to purge away their iniquity," that they may be partakers of His holiness. This was evidently the view which Job had of troubles, notwithstanding they sprang from such various sources.

No one can love trouble on its own account; since it is "never joyous, but grievous." But holiness is the highest wish of the godly soul; it is regarded as a pearl that cannot be purchased at too high a price. Trials, however painful, are welcomed, if they may but be the means of promoting this blessed end.

Those who are in the furnace of affliction must ever look above all second causes, and see God appointing the nature, measure, and duration of all their trials!

"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty!" Job 5:17

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11