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  DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF PAIN
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: The sermon teaches us how to distinguish between suffering that
is from God and suffering that is not, by noting whether it is imposed
or chosen.

Topics: "Suffering", "Discerning God's Will"
Scripture References: Daniel 6:16, Jonah 1:4, Matthew 5:11, Luke 23:33, Acts 27:20

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer explores the distinction between suffering that comes from
the cross and suffering that comes from the rod, emphasizing that pain
can arise from both obedience and disobedience to God. He illustrates
this with examples from the lives of Jonah, Paul, and Daniel,
highlighting that the source of pain is not as important as the heart's
response to it. Tozer points out that true blessedness comes from
suffering for Christ's sake, as indicated in Matthew 5:11, and that our
tribulations should be chosen rather than imposed. Ultimately, he
encourages believers to reflect on the nature of their suffering and its
alignment with their commitment to Christ.

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CONTENT
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But how can we tell in a given situation whether our pain is from the
cross or the rod? Pain is pain from whatever source it comes. Jonah in
flight from the will of God suffered no worse storm than did Paul in the
center of God?s will; the same wild sea threatened the life of both. And
Daniel in the lion?s den was in trouble as deep as was Jonah in the
whale?s belly. The nails bit as deep into the hands of Christ dying for
the sins of the world as into the hands of the two thieves dying for
their own sins. How then may we distinguish the cross from the rod?

I think the answer is plain.

When tribulation comes we have but to note whether it is imposed or
chosen. ?Blessed are ye, ? said our Lord, ?when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you? (Matt.
5:11). But that is not all. Four other words He added: they are
?falsely, for my sake.? These words show that the suffering must come
voluntarily, that it must be chosen in the larger choice of Christ and
righteousness. If the accusation men cry against us is true, no
blessedness follows.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/determining-the-cause-of-pain/
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