Why we suffer?

by Dr. George Jacob, Ph. D

Afflictions are one thing, but consolations are another.  Whether temporal or spiritual, afflictions can prepare our hearts for the consolation that the precious blood of Christ has washed away our sin.

Do our afflictions humble us? 
Do they deaden our love for the world?
Do they purge us from hypocrisy? 
Do they bring us more earnestly to the throne of grace? 
Do they soften our hard hearts? 
Do they uncover the sinfulness of things we never before saw as sin? 

When I look back on the sins of my youth, they seem so grievous now, though in my youth I never dreamt they were sin.  As I grow in grace, I see more and more how precious are the blood of Christ and the providence of God, in sparing us and not allowing us to destroy ourselves in those sins.  We also become more gracious toward our fellow man when he is caught in sin because we can see those same seeds of corruption in our own hearts. Only the restraining grace of God prevents us from falling into those very same sins.

There is consolation in Christ: "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," HEB 4:15-16.  When somebody expresses the spiritual weakness, struggles, afflictions, and evil tendencies of their hearts, we can relate so well because we have been tried and afflicted in the same way.  What a brother we have in adversity!  The Lord Jesus Christ can relate to our temptations so well because He was tempted in exactly the same way.

We have consolation in Christ because He understands every struggle.  That does not mean that we must be perfect before we can come to Christ, but He understands every temptation because He was tempted in all things, "yet without sin."

Source: MOSC Group

See Also:

Hunger of the Spirit
It is impossible for us to bring life into one who is spiritually dead.  We must wait upon the Lord on our knees, begging and beseeching that He will bring life, breath, and food.  We cannot give a spiritual blessing to our own souls, but must wait upon the Lord to give that blessing in due season.

Being Faithful Is Not Easy
While it may seem easy to be in faith , yet for the faith to be at work is daunting.

God Knows Us Continually
This gospel teaches us one of the most blessed assurances Christ's church has for its eternal security. If it depended upon us following the Lord, then we could fall away, but it is not possible because He has engraved us upon the palms of His hands for eternity.

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