Basic HTML Version
God Has a Purpose in Every Affliction, March 30
Enduring Trials
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!
[94]
97