Why Affliction Comes

The following quote by Henry Ward Beecher, comes from a delightful website entitled, “Living Life Fully.” The purpose of the site is dedicated to presenting the wisdom that’s specifically focused on getting the most out of life and being happy. It’s based on the belief that if we can learn from those who have come before us and have shared their knowledge, our lives can be richer, more exciting, and fuller:“

"Affliction comes to us not to make us sad, but sober; not to make us sorry, but wise; not to make us despondent, but by its darkness to refresh us, as the night refreshes day; not to impoverish, but to enrich us, as the plough enriches the field; to multiply our joy, as the seed, by planting, is multiplied a thousand-fold” (see source – scroll down page).

The inspired writers of the New Testament wrote about similar benefits of affliction as Mr. Beecher does in the above quote:

Peter, Paul and James write about our trials in 1 Peter 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; James 1:2-4.

Beloved, our afflictions and trials here on earth are nothing compared to our reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14).

Let us be encouraged by the above Scriptures and quote.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets