Benefits of Affliction.
By J. H. Meek
God designs that the trials and afflictions which his people are called upon to endure, shall prove a blessing to them. Christians in all ages of the world have passed through fiery ordeals, which, in every case where they continued to trust in the Lord, have magnified the grace of God, and they have been greatly benefited thereby themselves. We only have to open the word of God to satisfy ourselves upon this subject. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word." Ps. 119:67. The benefit spoken of here is that it leads to greater faithfulness. "But now have I kept thy word." "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Ps. 119:71. In times of sorrow we will look in some direction for comfort and consolation. One of the first things a true Christian will do will be to look into the word of God. Oh, how often we have been comforted and strengthened under trying circumstances as we have read the many precious promises contained in the Bible, and they have seemed to beam forth with luster and light, and we have a clearer understanding of them than ever before, and our faith claims them more confidently than hitherto. We cry out, "Oh, how love I thy law." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:17, 18. Afflictions are of short duration, "but for a moment." "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." They seem light on the account of the wonderful grace of God afforded and the glorious benefits arising therefrom. "Worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Let us remember, however, that this is upon the condition that we walk by faith and not by sight, "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Heb. 12:10, 11. The purpose of the Lord in chastening us is to profit us. So it is evident that afflictions are blessings in disguise. Then, instead of murmuring, we should be grateful at all times, and trust the Lord as fully through seasons of heaviness which are produced by manifold temptations, as when the afflicting rod is not upon us. If we would bear in mind the subsequent results, it would buoy us up in times of grief. "Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Jas. 1:2, 3. "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor. 12:9, 10. "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty; for he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee." Job. 5:17-19. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28. "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 Pet. 4:12, 13.—J. H. Meek, in Methodist Recorder.