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.
[J.C. Ryle]
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Job 5:7 ... Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
John 16:33 ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 13:7 ... Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.❤
