Some Christians believe that God shows his approval by the amount of material blessing they receive whilst on this earth. The concept of a God who would use poverty or pain in order to help them grow spiritually is totally alien, if not blasphemous.Yet God tells us in Hebrews 12:6 (quoting Proverbs 3:11f) that 'whom the Lord loves, he chastens'. In Revelation 1:9 we are told that we are 'brothers and companions in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ'.The path of the Christian is not an easy one, but it is one of great reward - just as Christ's path was. As Bonar says in the preface ' the way is rough, and the desert blast is keen.' But, for those who accept God's chastisement, 'He will satisfy their craving souls; He will turn their midnight into noon; He will give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, '