View source for Afflictions, when sanctified',

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<p>&quot;Before I was <strong><em>afflicted </em></strong>I went astray, but now I obey Your Word.&quot; Psalm 119:67 <br />
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&quot;It was good for me to be <strong><em>afflicted </em></strong>so that I could learn Your statutes.&quot; Psalm 119:71 <br />
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By affliction, the <em>Master Artist</em> is adding some new touch of loveliness, to the picture He is bringing out in our souls.<br />
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<strong>Afflictions, when sanctified</strong> — <br />
temper worldly ambitions,<br />
burn out the dross of selfishness,<br />
humble pride,<br />
quell fierce passions,<br />
reveal the evil in our hearts,<br />
manifest our weaknesses, faults, and blemishes,<br />
teach patience and submission,<br />
discipline unruly spirits,<br />
deepen and enrich our graces.<br />
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<strong>Afflictions, when sanctified</strong> — plough the hard soil and cut long and deep furrows in the heart. The heavenly Sower follows, and <em>fruits of righteousness</em> spring up. &quot;No<em>discipline </em>seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been <em>trained </em>by it.&quot; Hebrews 12:11<br />
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Affliction is a <em>messenger of God</em> — sent to minister to us in the best of ways! When under God's chastening hand, we should ask, <br />
What would God have this sorrow do for me? <br />
What is its mission?<br />
What its great design? <br />
What golden fruit lies hidden in its husk? <br />
How shall it . . . <br />
strengthen my virtue,<br />
nerve my courage,<br />
chasten my passions,<br />
purify my love, and<br />
<em>make me like Him</em> who bore the cross of sorrow while He lived, and hung and bled upon it when He died, and now wears the victor's crown in glory?