“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” John 16:33
If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to Heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other men. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace along the way, and glory at the end–all this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no affliction. He loves us too well to promise that!
By affliction He teaches us many precious lessons which without it we would never learn. By affliction He . . .
shows us our emptiness and weakness,
draws us to the throne of grace,
purifies our affections,
weans us from the world,
and makes us long for Heaven.
In the resurrection morning, we shall all say, “It is good for me that I was afflicted.” We shall thank God for every storm.
“You do not understand now what I am doing–but you will understand later on!” John 13:7
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