No trial comes sooner, or falls heavier, or lasts longer!

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(Letters of John Newton)

"Affliction does not come from the dust--nor does trouble spring from the ground." Job 5:6

"I was silent; I would not open my mouth--for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9

I trust that your sickness will work for good--because the Lord has sent it. We are sure that He does not afflict His children without a need be. He does all things well.

He weighs the mountains in the scales, and the hills in a balance. He likewise weighs, measures, and proportions our trials to our strength and our malady--with greater accuracy than the most skillful earthly physician can prescribe his medicines.

No trial comes sooner, or falls heavier, or lasts longer--than the necessity of the case requires. He knows our frame, and remembers that we are but dust. He will lay no more upon us than He will enable us to bear.

Like as a father pities his children--so the Lord pities His redeemed children. His love is perfect, and He will not withhold whatever He sees is necessary to promote our best welfare--however painful and displeasing it may be to the flesh. Earthly parents often, through a weak and mistaken tenderness--spare their children, to their hurt. But as God supplies His children with food--so they must take His medicines, however distasteful, when He sees they would not be so well without them.

My good friend, be willing that the Lord should carry on His work in His own way--and do not prescribe to Him how He shall deal with you.

All shall work together for good.

Everything is needful--that He sends.

Nothing can be needful--that He withholds.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word." Psalm 119:67

"It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your decrees." Psalm 119:71

"I know, O LORD, that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75

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