Refining fire - hard and glorious!!

Where to begin…
“The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears.” Rick Warren
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.  May those who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in Your Word. I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me. May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight.” Ps 119:71,72, 74 -77
 A few months ago 2 people, 2 different countries (thanks Jean and Jackie B.), emailed me and both wrote about faith/ hardships, and I will quote what they wrote:
“God has us in the fire and in His tender care every day… and it’s hard and glorious.
“ We can all say we want more faith, but it seems we never want to be in the situations where we need faith.”
I can testify to you that God definitely has His mighty hand upon us, and it is very painful at times, but also gloriously wonderful because He’s answering our prayer to mold and shape us more and more into the children of God that He created, planned, purposed us too be.
But I can also tell you, without a seconds’ hesitation, that I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world!!
We are getting to know the Father in a much more intimate way. And boy, the comfort of Jesus is so absolute and immediate when I fall on my knees and cry out to Him.
“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” Ps 5:11-12
The Bible verses I quoted have been very near and dear to my heart in the last number of weeks. I’ve prayed them many times, read them many times, and have been greatly encouraged and blessed by them.
Amahoro!! Peace