Isaiah 48:10 (NRSV) — 10 See, I have refined you, but not like silver; 

I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.

Isaiah 48:10 (NLT) — 10 I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, 

I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.

Isaiah 48:10 (The Message) — 10 Do you see what I’ve done? 

I’ve refined you, but not without fire. 

I’ve tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction.

Romans 8:18 (NRSV) — 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time 

are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NRSV) — 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces,

seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, 

are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; 

for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (The Message) — 18 All of us! Nothing between us and God,

 our faces shining with the brightness of his face. 

And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, 

our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful 

as God enters our lives and we become like him.

We know that all things work together for good 

for those who love God, 

who are called according to His Purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NRSV) 

Amen.