Those are some very sobering thoughts, brother. But you are right- I've seen what God can do in the furnace, and although it is hard at the time, I find myself nearer to God and walking more faithfully in His paths of righteousness.

True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin