We get “refined” and “chosen” by our afflictions. They humble us. Without humility we would not be willing to accept Him. So He does us the great courtesy of humiliating us so that we are humble. We find these things unfair, unjust and reason for anger. Yet they are really stepping stones back to Him.
Nephi put the matter squarely:
“I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.” (1 Ne 1:1, emphasis added.)
There is a direct relationship between “seeing many afflictions” on the one hand and “being highly favored of the Lord” on the other hand. Nephi points this out. We pass blithely by and fail to notice it. Yet there it is: Blessings are related to afflictions. Getting chosen usually involves the “furnace of affliction.” God assures us this is good for us. We will eventually agree. Though Christ was God’s Son, He, too, was improved by affliction. We should hope for as much.