God Has a Purpose in Every Affliction

[Thompson, Darryl]

God Has a Purpose in Every Affliction

     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. 1 Peter
4:12, 13  

     One evening a gentleman who was much depressed because of deep
affliction was walking in a garden, where he observed a pomegranate tree
nearly cut through the stem. Greatly wondering, he asked the gardener
why the tree was in this condition, and he received an answer that
explained to his satisfaction the wounds of his own bleeding heart.
"Sir," said the gardener, "this tree used to shoot out so strong that it
bore nothing but leaves. I was obliged to cut it in this manner; and
when it was almost cut through, it began to bear fruit."  

     Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction
God has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an
idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our
affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be
painful for a time, but afterward it "yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness." We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken
the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. The
fruitless branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Let us be
thankful that through painful pruning we may retain a connection with
the living Vine; for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with
Him. The very trial that taxes our faith the most severely and makes it
seem as though God had forsaken us is to lead us more closely to Him,
that we may lay all our burdens at the feet of Christ and experience the
peace which He will give us in exchange. . . . God loves and cares for
the feeblest of His creatures, and we cannot dishonor Him more than by
doubting His love to us. O let us cultivate that living faith that will
trust Him in the hour of darkness and trial! 

>From My Life Today - Page 93