To the true believer, afflictions are blessings in disguise. Every trial is intended for my good.
My foolish heart would be too much attached to the earth, if the spade were not inserted to loosen the fibers, and disengage the root that when transplanted, I may bear a richer fruit in the Paradise above.
My heavenly Father, whose love and wisdom are infinite knows exactly what I need, and how much suffering is needed to promote the spirituality of my heart and mind.
Shall I then repine at His dispensations of love?
A murmuring spirit increases every evil,
doubles the affliction,
and adds a sting to sorrow.
If our hearts are in Heaven, then the trials of earth will be light and momentary for the Savior's love will sweeten every care,
lighten every cross,
and disarm affliction of its sting!
Oh! that we may learn wisdom by every afflictive Providence and yield more fruit by every application of the pruning knife!
[Thomas Reade]
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John 15:2 ... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Hebrews 12:10-11 ... For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
1 Peter 4:12-13 ... Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. ❤
