1 Nephi 20

I was impressed this morning as the Lord said to those of whom he loves -

"...behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:10)

A week and a half ago, Terri and I were able to sit and watch a glass maker blow and mold glass objects. In this particular case, we watched as he created a glass vase, with glass moldings, and a waving top. We watched as he heated glass, blew, molded, shaped, reheating the glass each time to add and mold the glass vase. This verse seemed to make so much sense knowing that through the furnace of affliction that He is able to mold or refine us towards our potential. Without the furnace of affliction, it would not be possible. He tells us that because of this we are one of His or His own -

"...for mine own sake will I do this..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:11)