God's afflictions serve to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and reveal our need for His grace.
God's afflictions are multifaceted in purpose. They are designed to purify our hearts and minds, much like gold is refined in fire. The struggles we endure can separate the dross from the gold, illuminating our dependence on God and cultivating our characters. When faced with trials, our need for God's grace becomes starkly clear, as we realize our own limitations and His infinite sufficiency. Such afflictions also have an eternal perspective, preparing us for glory as they humiliate our pride and instill in us a deeper reliance on Christ. Hence, instead of viewing them as mere suffering, we can understand them as loving interventions from God that redirect our hearts toward Him.
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