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
