If I may...
My wife suffered several different issues during her childhood that, because of her faith in God, have allowed her a certain amount of compassion for others who have suffered likewise. She is able to comfort, talk with, and council others who have suffered. Through all of this, she has been sanctified more. Also, as a result of my helping my wife through these issues, I have become more compassionate and helpful as I council my wife. All in all, the suffering has made us closer to each other, and more importantly, closer to God as we trust more in him. This is what I think Forest Keeper was talking about. FK, if I am wrong, please correct me.
I know what he is talking about, and i understand what you are telling me. That doesn't answer my question: what happens to those who are never tested? Are they deprived of sanctification? And what happens to those who suffered more than your wife?
Are those who are not sanctified going to live in "basement" apartments in heaven and those who suffered more in heavenly penthouses? And where does it say so in the Bible?
I should have read ahead before my last post, but YES, this is EXACTLY what I'm talking about. :) Testing helps us to grow IN Him. None of us sits around wishing for calamity to strike us, but we can take heart in knowing that when it does, God will be there for us, ALWAYS. May God continue to bless you and your wife, Irish. It sounds like you are a very blessed man.