How do we know that God's affliction is for restoration?

The belief that God's affliction serves as a means of restoration is firmly rooted in the teachings of scripture. Rather than acting as punishment for sin, God's afflictions are intended to redirect our hearts toward Him, allowing us to experience His grace and healing power. This is emphasized in theological teachings which reaffirm that Christ's work has already secured our redemption and that any affliction we face is temporary, meant to draw us back into communion with Him.

In Peter's own experience, as recounted in the sermon, we see a man who, despite his denial of Christ, was specially singled out for encouragement and restoration by the Lord. This illustrates God's heart towards His people; even when we stray, His designed afflictions become the avenues through which He brings us back into the fold. Passages like 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 underscore the reality that 'we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh,' showing the redemptive nature of our trials.