For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:12

Some of the best instruction on chastening can be found in the book of Hebrews. The writer here is trying to open our understanding on the Lord’s chastisement. It is easy to let the devil discourage us or make us feel forsaken. In reality, the forsaken are those that never receive chastisement from the Lord.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:    For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

When the Lord brings A trial our way, it is to cleanse us, and refine us.

 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Gold, when it is purified, must be heated to a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The impurities are separated away, leaving only the purest gold.

 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.    Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?    For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

With this chastisement we we are made par takers of his holiness. He corrects us for our profit. So we can become like him. He is forming his children in his image.

 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby

All things work together for good to those who love God. We must trust that he knows about us and is cleansing us of all impurities that separate us from him

 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;    And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:5-13

Praise God he heals wounded sinners like me! I think of the old gospel hymn;

Take me, and break me.
Mold me, and make me.
I want to do, thy will, oh Lord.

It took almost a year of God breaking everything I tried to do, but he finally got through to this heart of  stone and healed me! When I was going through the fire I thought that God had forsaken me. Instead he strengthened me. Glory to his name.

Allow God to refine your heart today.

God bless