Comment by: Horwell at 8/20/2013 10:00:50 AM

All things work for good for the Christian. "Affliction is for his good. What hurt does the fire to the gold? It only purifies it. What hurt does the fan to the corn? It only separates the chaff from it. What hurt do leeches to the body? They only suck out the bad blood. God never uses His staff, but to beat out the dust. Affliction does that which the Word many times will not, it ‘opens the ear to discipline’ (Job 36:10). When God lays men upon their backs, then they look up to heaven. God’s smiting His people is like the musician’s striking upon the violin, which makes it put forth a melodious sound. How much good comes to the saints by affliction! When they are pounded and broken, they send forth their sweetest smell. Affliction is a bitter root, but it bears sweet fruit. ‘It yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness’ (Hebrews 12:11). Affliction is the highway to heaven; though it be flinty and thorny, yet it is the best way. Poverty shall starve our sins; sickness shall make grace more helpful (2 Corinthians 4:16). Reproach shall cause ‘the Spirit of God and of glory to rest upon us’ (1 Peter 4:14). Death shall stop the bottle of tears, and open the gate of Paradise." (Thomas Watson. "All things for Good" [Banner])