The Mission of Affliction by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · May 23, 1907

The Mission of Affliction

By C. M. S.

The pruning process is never pleasant for that which receives the pruning; but when the pain of the pruning has been borne, the wisdom and the fruit of the process appear. The tree puts forth much growth that would interfere with the production of the most perfect fruit. This must be cut away, or the owner can not look with satisfaction upon the best work his tree can do.

As with the tree, so with the individual. In that pruning process which is designed to produce in us the “peaceable fruits of righteousness,” we are tempted many times to imagine we see the hand of the enemy at work. If we resist the operation, the result may be the same as if the very plan itself had been conceived and carried out by the enemy. Our resistance to God’s plan for us will permit the enemy to triumph over us. That makes us the very opposite of “workers together with God.”

Often when we consider we are serving God faithfully, trials arise that are exceedingly “grievous to be borne,” and then we begin to say to ourselves and to others, “I don’t understand this; I don’t see why God permits this to come upon me;” or, “I believe this affliction is from the enemy.” Now that is not the yielding to the pruning process that develops Christian perfection. The rough diamond can never shine till the stone of affliction has polished all its facets. Let us learn the full meaning of this scripture: “It is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:17, 18. How can we tell but that the very manner of our endurance of trials may be leading some one to Christ and the truth or turning some one away from both?

There is some mission in every experience that God permits to come to his children. The child of God is set for an example and a sign. Our query should not be, How can I escape affliction? but, How can I best glorify God through the experiences he permits to be mine? “For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently, but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

In all Christ’s life we hear nothing of rebellion or complaining against the things that he suffered. “As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Can we not also leave our cases in the hands of “him that judgeth righteously”? We must do so, or we can not fitly represent Christ. We must do so, or God can not work in and through us to the salvation of others.

C. M. S.