Afflictions When Sanctified by
J. R. Miller Before I was afflicted,
I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalm 119, 67. It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I could learn your statutes. Psalm 119, 71. By affliction, the master artist
is adding some new touch of loveliness to the picture he is bringing
out in our souls. Afflictions, when sanctified,
temper worldly ambitions, burn out the dross of selfishness,
humble pride, quell fierce passions, Reveal the evil in our hearts. Manifest our weaknesses, faults,
and blemishes. Teach patience and submission. Discipline unruly spirits. Deepen
and enrich our graces. Afflictions, when sanctified,
plough the hard soil and cut long and deep furrows in the
heart. The heavenly sower follows, and
fruits of righteousness spring up. No discipline seems enjoyable
at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields
the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained
by it. Affliction is a messenger of
God, sent to minister to us in the best of ways. When under
God's chastening hand, we should ask, What would God have this
sorrow do for me? What is its mission? What its
great design? What golden fruit lies hidden
in its husk? How shall it strengthen my virtue? nerve my courage, hasten my passions,
purify my love, and make me like him who bore the cross of sorrow
while he lived, and hung and bled upon it when he died, and
now wears the victor's crown in glory.