36 AFFLICTIONS

AFFLICTIONS "For he does not afflict willingly — nor grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:33 Afflictions are the consequences of sin.

If there was no sin — there would be no sorrow.

If you were not a sinner — you would not be a sufferer.

Every pain teaches you that you are a fallen creature.

Afflictions are God’s testimony against sin. Hereby he declares sin to be a fearful thing — a horrible thing, which he hates. Every affliction is necessary: God does not afflict willingly. Every trial is called for. Your present affliction is needful. It is sent to call you to consideration. It bids you look back upon your past life — How has it been spent? It points you to eternity, and asks: What provision have you made for it? It directs you to examine the state of your heart: Is it right with God? Are you devoted to God? Are you aiming to please God in all things? Have you been born again? Or are you dead in trespasses and sins — an enemy to God, declared to be so by wicked works — living to yourself, and seeking your happiness in the things of time?

Consider, inquire, examine! Your present trial calls upon you to do so. By affliction, God not only testifies against your sins — but he calls you to repentance. Every sin is an insult offered to him; every sin calls for the execution of his threatenings — but he is long-suffering, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy! He therefore sends you troubles — to call you to repentance. He is reluctant to execute his vengeance, he has no pleasure at all in your death — therefore he calls you to repentance.

Mercy speaks to you by this afflictive dispensation, and says, "You have sinned; God hates sin; God is bound by his Word to punish the impenitent sinner. You have lived carelessly; now search and try your ways, and turn unto the Lord."

There is hope for you in Jesus; he came to save sinners — just such sinners as you are. He will save you. He calls you to him, he invites you to approach him. He says, "Will you be made whole? I will pardon your sins. I will subdue your iniquities. I will justify your person. I will give you peace. I will introduce you to my Father, who will accept you, bless you, and call you a son of God."

O sinner, your present affliction, if improved — will prove the greatest blessing ever conferred upon you. It is designed to do you good, lasting good, everlasting good. If improved . . .
it will soften your heart,
it will humble your spirit,
it will lead you to Jesus. But if not . . .
it will harden you,
it will stupefy you, and
your case will be more deplorable than before!

Beseech God to make this trial a real blessing to you. Seek not merely deliverance from it — but that it may be sanctified to you; yes, seek its sanctification more, much more than its removal. Our God is a gracious God; a prayer-hearing God. He is waiting for your prayer. He is noticing . . .
every movement of your mind,
every purpose of your soul,
every thought of your heart,
every word that proceeds from your mouth.

You cannot deceive him. He will not be mocked. He aims at your welfare. He calls you, by this affliction — to come to him that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help you in time of need. If you trifle with his mercy, if you despise his chastening, if you turn a deaf ear to his voice — he may say to you, as he did to Israel of old, "Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted." (Isaiah 1:5).

You have now every encouragement, for "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21). Salvation is the very blessing you need. It is the greatest blessing God can bestow. It comprehends all other blessings. God has promised it to all who call upon him. You cannot seek in vain. God will hear you; he will answer your prayers. He has pledged himself to save all who call upon him: he will save you. "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6). His name and his nature are love. The Lord is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all those who call upon him (Psalms 86:5). He says, "Seek my face." May your heart respond, "Your face, Lord, will I seek" (Psalms 27:8).