Nature of affliction from our Heavenly Father

Nature of affliction from our Heavenly Father
As we reflect upon the nature of affliction, we must consider that it is a bitter pill to swallow, causing much distress and discomfort. However, we must not forget that the Lord afflicts his people out of love, as we see in the Scriptures, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.”
As we take our medicine when our body is ill, so must we take our afflictions when our souls are sick. Our heavenly Father, who does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men, only infuses enough wormwood and gall to correct our vitiated souls.
The design of affliction is to do us good, and our heavenly Physician knows just how much we need to heal our sickness. He calls every day, watches every term of our complaint, and administers the cordials of his promises to strengthen and restore us to the peace, comfort, and joy which we were not in a proper frame of spirit to receive before our affliction.
In this way, our trials help us grow closer to the Lord and sanctify us. Affliction reminds us of our need for the Lord, helps us detect sin in our lives, and gives us clear views of the insufficiency of earthly things. Our trials teach us to esteem an assured interest in Jesus Christ above all treasures, and the promises of God’s holy word are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
The most eminent saints have been the most tried, as we see in the faith of Abraham, the patience of Job, the meekness of Moses, the purity of Joseph, and the devotion of Daniel. The Lord can overrule even the sorest temptations of Satan to establish his people. Though suffering may be endured, real injury shall not be sustained because all things shall work together for good to those who love God.
As we go through affliction, we learn to mold our will into the divine will, and consequently, we become holy and happy. Trials are a means in the Lord’s hands for restoring us to that filial spirit which we lost through the fall. Sanctified affliction can bend the stubborn will and bring us to the frame and temper of little children.
In conclusion, we see that affliction has a two-fold effect. It kills the noxious weeds of lust, pride, and covetousness, and it cherishes all the kindly graces of the Spirit, humility, purity, and love. Let us, therefore, receive the cup of affliction with humble resignation and adoring love, for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.