Many in our fellowship have been suffering from a plethora of afflictions (or persistent suffering and anguish), suffering from similar pain and distress common to all humans. In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from hazardous worldly choices and back to His divine purpose for us. No silver or gold can be produced except by intense purifying; we cannot be vessels in God's temple without purifying. The apostle Paul has produced 6 separate lists, identifying the horrible trials he endured. We should be thankful we do not have to go through a fraction of those afflictions. The apostle Paul and the Psalmist David concurred that the whole range of afflictions (physical, emotional, or spiritual) are not worth to be compared to the glory which comes beyond. God has three main purposes for affliction: 1.) discipline-a corrective and not a vengeful procedure, and 2.) sanctification—a purifying, cleansing effect returning us to the protection and providence of Almighty God, producing godly character and spiritual maturity, and for God's glory. We should be honored that we have been chosen to suffer, realizing that Our High Priest has endured everything we have, resisting sin to the ultimate. Everything we are subject to, including trials and afflictions, are for our ultimate good. Psalm 30:4-5 gives us a mature perspective on the relative endurance of affliction and endless glory. When we reflect on former trials we have endured, the severity fades significantly as we bask in the spiritual maturity it has created in us.