Job 5:6 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
Why has this trial come? How ought I to regard affliction?
These
questions are natural in seasons of suffering. Pain and sorrow make
us ask in earnest, the why and the wherefore of
what befalls us. And so the soul finds a time of trial, to be a
time of education.
The first lesson in the school of
tribulation, is that affliction is the visitation of
God. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the
name of the Lord." Job 1:21
Nothing in any man's life comes to him by "chance." All things, both
small and great, are under the control of God. He foresees, and
limits, and disposes.
What is sometimes called "good fortune"--comes
not by accident; neither does trouble spring out of the ground.
Am I healthy and prosperous? It is the will of God. Am I suffering in body or in mind? It is the Lord-let Him do what
seems good unto Him.
This is the only answer that can be given to
the weak and sorely tempted ones, whom one trial after another
afflict with increasing sorrows, "So it pleases God! Shall not the
Judge of all the earth do right!"
To the believer, Providence is not merely general and
universal, but particular and personal. "Even the very hairs of your head are all
numbered!" Matthew 10:30.
The believer looks to his
own particular afflictions, as the dispensations of Divine
Providence.
To myself, affliction comes as the special visitation of
God; and, looking above second causes, the word of trust
from my soul should go forth, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is
listening."
Affliction must not therefore be received as a burden, laid on by a
blind and cruel fate-it is given by my wise and loving Father!
Nor
must I regard it as a "misfortune"-as an unmixed evil, which comes
by chance, and is to be received with unconcern.
Affliction does not
come forth from the dust-it is from God. It is sent in mercy and
wisdom-yes, and in power. "For He bruises, but He binds up; He
wounds, but His hands make whole." Job 5:18.
His visitation is rich
in lessons of comfort, of strength and of peace-for all things work
together for good to His obedient children. Yes, ALL things!
O Lord my God, bless this trial which You have sent. Teach me to
feel that Your hand is laid upon me. Help me to know that
You are speaking unto my soul.
May I look on affliction as Your
Fatherly visitation-a token of Your love, and wisdom, and
power.
Almighty Father, You have told me that all things are under Your
control-not a sparrow falls to the ground unnoticed.
Lord, teach me
to believe in Your love for me. Oh, help me to feel Your wise
guidance and control!
Aid me to see that this affliction is sent for
my good.
O my God, increase my faith. Remove from me doubts and
carnal-mindedness.
May Your Spirit cleanse and sanctify my soul.
Teach me to humbly submit to Your will.
By patience and faith may I
please You, submitting to sufferings because You send them for my
good.
Teach me that pain and sorrow are Your heavenly messengers.
Enlighten my eyes, that so I may say of affliction-it is Your
doing. To me, have You sent this. Not by chance, but in
wisdom, and with loving purpose it has come.
Oh, Lord, do with me
what seems good to You. Help me to feel that my lot is wisely
ordained.
If it is in accordance with Your holy and blessed
will-then remove this trial. But if You see fit still to afflict
me-then teach me truly to pray, "May Your will be done!"
Hear
me, O God, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
~Walter Purton~
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