The Goodness of God In Molding His Children Through Afflictions

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Journal Entry. 29th of May, 2026. 2:37AM.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 4:3

The afflictions and necessities which God appoints unto us are not sent for our destruction, nor merely to burden us with sorrow. Rather, they are graciously employed by our heavenly Father as instruments whereby the true condition of our faith is revealed.

The purpose of trials is never to make us suffer, but to uncover that which still lieth hidden within the heart. It reveals where our confidence truly rests, what we trust in, and upon whom we lean. When we perceive some lack in our lives, the Lord often shows us that we have not yet found our sufficiency in Him. When contentions arise between ourselves and another, He reveals the remnants of pride still dwelling within us. Sin thrives when it remains hidden (James 1:15). It is a great kindness of God to expose hidden sin in His children, for that which remains concealed is seldom brought unto Him for cleansing.

To ask for forgiveness is good. To be purified from our dross, despite the painful work, is infinitely greater.

“Where is thy trust,” the Lord asks whenever anxiety and trial overtake us, “I shall show thee through affliction.” For God doth not always remove the burden that troubles us. He appoints the burden itself that we might draw near unto Him.

Is there some besetting sin within thee that needs mortification? The Lord may send a trial to uncover it, bring it into the light, to the end that it may be confessed and forsaken. Is there some earthly thing or person which you think is necessary for your happiness? He may withhold it for a season, that you might learn that no created thing can satisfy the soul apart from God Himself.

Thus in every circumstance, the chief remedy is not the removal of the problem, but the assurance that God covenantally remains with His people come what may. And the promise of His permanent presence is of greater worth than the immediate relief we so often seek. The soul matures when it learns to desire not merely the answer itself, but to behold how God hath heard from His throne and graciously moved on its behalf. Oh, to see the hand of God move for you! The gift may satisfy for a season, but the sight of His faithfulness strengthens the heart ever greater.

when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
Job 23:10

Anxiety ends when faith begins to take hold of God. The soul seeks relief. God gives Himself. And in receiving Him, the soul discovers it needed Him more than the relief.

For He Himself is our only necessity—not the thing we imagine we lack. We desire many things for ourselves, some good, mostly harmful. Yet the Lord desires something far greater for us than our present comfort: that we should be holy, and that in all things we should greatly desire be conformed unto the image of His Son, through His sovereign goodness is sending afflictions.

They who dive in the sea of afflictions bring up rare pearls.
Charles Spurgeon

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