'The furnace fires of sickness
The furnace fires of sickness
" God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11
"Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction! " Isaiah 48:10
The furnace fires of sickness burn off many a bond of sin and worldliness . Many now in Heaven will thank God forever, for the invalidism in this life which kept them from sin.
We may be sure that God never calls any of His children apart into the sickroom, without a purpose of blessing. There is . . .
some lesson He wants to teach them,
some new glimpse of His love He wants to show them,
some beauty in them He wants to bring out.
Sickrooms should always be sacred places to us, as we remember that God has summoned us there for some special work upon our souls.
"I know, O LORD, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" Psalm 119:75
"It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your decrees!" Psalm 119:71
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them!" Romans 8:28