Good morning,
Over the years, I have been counselled, God is in control. I have shared this same counsel with others. Sometimes though, when we are in the middle of a trial, it does not seem that God is in control. Our personal lives are spinning out of control and we just want it to stop.
God knows. He has a purpose for whatever we are going through. We will understand in God’s timing.
Trials are medicinal!
(John Newton)
Trials are medicinal. They are designed by God to correct or to restrain or to cure–the maladies of our souls.
Though He puts forth His hand, and seems to threaten our dearest comforts–yet when we remember that it is His hand, when we consider that it is His design, His love, His wisdom, and His power—we cannot refuse to trust Him!
Every affliction in the life of the believer–is designed by God and sovereignly implemented by Him.
“Before I was afflicted I went astray–but now I obey Your Word!” Psalm 119:67
“It was good for me to be afflicted–so that I might learn Your decrees.” Psalm 119:71
“I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75
Christ’s suffering was punitive–the Christian’s suffering is restorative.
The cup which Christ drank, was filled with Divine wrath–the cup of suffering which God calls His children to drink, is only medicinal to promote their chief good.
Like heavy weights on a grandfather clock–trials are necessary for the Christian life to operate properly. God will allow nothing to grieve us–but what He intends to employ as means for our greater advantage.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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