Suffering is Mitigated
Back to Comfort for Christians
Suffering is Mitigated
"He stays his rough wind — in the day of the east wind." Isaiah 27:8
Our afflictions are like the winds that sweep the world. They are powerful, penetrating, and even alarming. But our Heavenly Father holds the winds in His hand, and only allows them to blow as He pleases. He has a purpose to answer by every blast, and He always watches its working and its effect.
So it is with the afflictions which He brings upon us. He will not lay more on us than we are able to bear. If He increases the affliction — then He will increase the strength.
We may be tossed about — but we shall never be torn from the Rock! Our anchor will hold us fast — our cable will never snap. Our place of refuge is sure, for it is founded on a Rock, or rather, it is the Rock itself!
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging!" Psalm 46:1-3
Our great Refiner sits by while we are in the furnace. He regulates the heat and superintends the whole process of purification. He "will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it!" 1 Corinthians 10:13
My afflicted friend, cheer up! There is a limit set to the degree and duration of your afflictions. If the biting east wind blows — the harsh, rough wind shall be stayed!
The grace of Jesus is sufficient for you — and His strength will be made perfect in your weakness.
Fear not, faint not! As your days — so shall your strength be. Your afflictions of today — will be seen to be blessings by and by. Your present sufferings — are for your future good!
All those now in glory have passed through the same; and others now on the narrow road are experiencing the same pains, the same troubles, and the same sorrows that you are suffering. Cheer me up, then!
O my Father, and help me to remember that my present afflictions will sweeten the joys of Heaven, and heighten the brightness of glory!
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while — will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast!" 1 Peter 5:10