THE BELIEVER'S BEHAVIOR IN AFFLICTION

 

                All of God's children must pass through the deep waters of affliction. All must be tossed upon the stormy sea. And all will have to be refined in the fiery furnace. Trials, adversity, and heartache are sure to accompany true faith (Phil. 1:29). Affliction is the loving discipline of God's family. Our faith must be tried. Our love must be proved. Our heart must be weaned from this world, and attached to Christ alone.

                When these things come, remember who you are and to whom you belong. You are God's child. You belong to Christ. Be sure that you behave as such. I do not suggest that we should be unfeeling stoics. We will feel our pains. But I do say that we should behave as believers. Quietly submit to the hand of God. Patiently endure whatever the Lord brings upon you. Rest in the wisdom and goodness of God's providence. Trust his will. This is what I am saying, Believe God! Live by faith! We must do so, for the honor and glory of our God and Savior, for the honor of the gospel we believe, for the good of our brethren, and for our own peace of heart (I Pet. 5:6-7).

                Remember, all of your trials will soon end. And they will all end well. (Ps. 34:19; Rom. 8:18; James 1:12; I Pet. 1:7-9; Rev. 21:3-4). We live not for the things of time, but for eternity!