Faith's Checkbook (By: C.H. Spurgen)

                                               Choice Men

                       "I have thee in the furnace of affliction."
                                                                              ~ Isaiah 48:10 KJV

  It is no mean thing to be chosen of God. So eminent is this privilege, that whatever drawback may be joined to it we very joyfully accept it. We choose the furnace since God chooses us in it.
  We are chosen as an afflicted people and not as a prosperous people: chosen not in the palace, but in the furnace. In the furnace beauty is marred, strength is melted, glory is consumed, and yet here eternal love reveals its secrets and declares its choice. So has it been in our case. In times of severest trial, God has made to us our calling and election -plain.We have chosen the Lord to be our God, and He has shown that we are assuredly His chosen.
  Therefore, if today the furnace be heated seven times hotter,we will not dread it, for the glorious Son of God will walk us amid the glowing coals." (By: Charles H. Spurgeon ~ One Minute Devotions)