Refined

   The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, 
   But the LORD tests hearts.
   --Proverbs 17:3

The refining pot is not used to figure out whether the silver is really silver. Rather, it is used with fire to purify the stuff that is already there (i.e. silver).

The furnace is not used to figure out whether the gold is really gold. Rather, it is used with fire to purify the stuff that is already there (i.e. gold).

The Lord knows your heart, and he purifies by fire what is already there. That means that he challenges our faith and is even willing to bring difficulties into our lives to purify the stuff that is already there.

Life’s difficulties test our hearts, refining what is already there. Life's trials are uncomfortable and can make us feel weak. Yet, when we endure the trials, we can know that God has been cleaning out the stuff that drags us down and makes us weak. He is purifying the good stuff that is already there.

Now, here's an encouraging thought...

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.     --James 1:2-5

God is so wise. He refines his people.
Do you know why a person can find joy in the trials of life?
God is purifying you to be something in the future that is more beautiful and more precious than what you are today. He is transforming you into His likeness!