Why does God afflict us?

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(Ashton Oxenden, "The Blessings and Trials of Sickness" 1863)

"Affliction does not come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring forth out of the ground!" Job 5:6

"Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good." Deuteronomy 8:5

"I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!"Psalm 119:75

"As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline!" Revelation 3:19

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:6

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

Dear Reader, I have come into your sick-room, as it were, and wish to tell you a few things for your comfort and profit.

God has seen fit to stop you in the midst of your busy life, and to lay you aside for a while. It is not by chance that His afflicting hand has fallen upon you. It is not at random that He has chastened you. It may seem to be a mere accident that you are afflicted, and not another. But no; God has done it purposely!

Learn this then--that your present sickness or affliction is from God. It is His doing. He it is, who has brought this present chastisement upon you. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without our heavenly Father's ordering, and He prizes His redeemed children more than many sparrows.

Sickness usually comes as a messenger of divine love--it is sent to be a blessing, and may be made, by God's grace, a very great blessing to the soul. God afflicts His children because He desires to do them some great good.

The gardener cuts and prunes his tree, to make it grow better, and bear more precious fruit. In the same way, God often uses His sharp knife for some gracious purpose.

The wise and loving father thwarts his child, and sometimes scourges it, for its good. Just so, God uses His chastening rod for the very same reason.

The skillful physician prescribes nauseous medicines to restore his patient's health. In the same way, God makes us take His bitter medicines, though at the time they are very distasteful to us.

Why does God afflict us?

Because He loves us, and wishes to make us holy as He is holy, and happy as He is happy. For, as it has been well said, "Fiery trials make golden Christians!" God had one Son without sin--but He never had any son without sorrow.

God chastens purposely and lovingly. Affliction comes from Him; and He afflicts, not as a stern Judge, but as a Father and a Friend.

Before then you go a step further, ask God to convince you of this precious truth: "It is my Father who corrects me--even He who loves me! I will receive this chastisement then from Him, and remember that it is a loving hand that smites. I will kiss the very rod that scourges me. Father, not my will, but may Your will be done!"

A true Christian will receive affliction with submission. It is his Father's doing; and therefore he quietly submits. It comes from Him, and must therefore be well. He feels that there is a needs-be for it. What a sweet pillow is this, on which to rest his weary head!

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

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Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Three Years” 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 February 01, 2015 Newsletter Number 502 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor Brother Ronnie Henderson, Song Director Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com

Our Prayer Request: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry, Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette and Her Family, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Pennington, Kim Poole, Doris Hammock, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Wendell Henderson, Judy Dunn, Martha Gray, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie & Barbara Griffin, Bro. & Sister Bob Keller, Donna Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan & Claire Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Imajo Tracy, Linda Hughes, Roy Lemmon, Rosie Tomlin, James and Lynn Tomlin, Pat Abercrombie, Donna Jones, Dale Trahan, Ricky and Margaret McCoy, Brother David O’Neal, James, Diane & Brooke Thomas, Gina Peel, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, Melissa Elliott, Megan Whitaker, Manual Seymour, Sr., Brother Jerry and Sister Jean Dodson, Mr. Hedges, Danny Hammond, Claire’s friend, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, and Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Though For Your Bible Study: Perfect Peace "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isa. 26:3). What is signified by a mind "stayed on" the Lord? At least three things. First, to make the Lord the Portion of my soul. All around us are those vainly seeking contentment in things: such as money, and what it can buy, social prestige, fame, pleasures, etc.—all of which are broken cisterns which hold no water. Only the One who made us can satisfy the heart; only as our affection is set upon "things above" do we drink of the Fountain of living waters. Just in proportion as "Delight thyself also in the LORD" (Psa. 37:4) will "perfect peace" be mine now. Second, to receive from God's hand whatsoever enters my life. I need to cultivate the habit of looking beyond all secondary causes, all intermediary agents and human instruments, recognising that "of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things" (Rom. 11:36). "Cease ye from man" (Isa. 2:22); conclude no more it is Satan who is seeking to disturb your rest; but say, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it!" (John 18:11). Just in proportion as we are enabled to say from the heart "It is the LORD: let Him do what seemeth Him good" (1 Sam. 3:18) will "perfect peace" be ours in this world of sin and turmoil. Third, to leave the future entirely with God. And why not? Are not my "times" in His hand (Psa. 31:15)? Has He not graciously cared for me and faithfully supplied my every need hitherto? Then why be fearful of what lies ahead? Has He not promised never to leave nor forsake me! Just in proportion as I live a day at a time, and "Take therefore no anxious thought for the morrow" (Matt. 6:34) will "perfect peace" be mine even now. But each of these three things is dependent upon the exercise of FAITH; as the text says "because he trusteth in Thee." O to know more of this experimentally. By Arthur W. Pink

A Thought From Our Pastor:: When Times Are Tough; God Is There! Psalms 119:21 - 23 "Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. (22.) Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. (23.) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes." As Christians it is easy to believe the Lord owes us something. It’s like we are entitled to blessings from God. It’s like “I can’t believe God as allowed or done this to me”. I often hear Christians sometimes say “why did God allow this to happen to me; I’m a Christian”. Folks, just because God has saved us does not mean we are exempt from bad things in life. In fact because you are a Christian you could very well suffer more than the lost. This is most truthful; God does as He pleases in heaven, the earth, and beneath the earth, no matter what. God is concerned with accomplishing His will above all other things, and His will has and will continue to be accomplished no matter what the cost. I am simply amazed when I hear preachers tell some folks what God wants for them and their family, how do they know what God wants? This I can and will promise, God will give you what he wants you to have and what He wants for you may be very little. Some Christians live very painful lives. Beloved, just because we are Christians does not mean we have entitlements with God, He owes us nothing. We are saved by grace and live by grace and we will only receive of God what His grace will give us. Let us understand this, just because we worship and live for God everyday does not mean we deserve special blessings from God. I don’t know what God wants for your life but this I do know God will manifest to us all in time what He wants for us, and then we will all know. Anytime a Preacher tells you what God wants for you, you might want to ask yourself, how does he know? The Psalmist David prayer to God “Remove from me reproach and contempt” the word “reproach” means - disgrace – and the word “contempt” means – shame. Although the Palmist had just followed these two words with this phrase “for I have kept thy testimonies”. The Psalmist did not feel entitled to Gods blessings or graces just because he was a “good child of God”. The Psalmist prayed for these blessings because He understood that God could allow him much suffering. The world rulers sit and spoke against him even though he belonged to God. Folks please understand that God owes you nothing and for you to say He does is hypocritical on your part. God does not have entitlements for us. God has promised us many things, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, and etc, etc, etc. but not on this earth but in Him. Please understand the reason life is hard, illnesses may come, people may hurt you, you may suffer greatly in this world, but God has allowed these things because they are His will for you. You may ask why, because it is His will. God never promised you total happiness in this life, but did in the life to come. Preaches will tell you what God wants for you and they are all heavenly things, what God has promised you here on this earth is totally the opposite. He promised you persecution 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”, He promised you tribulations, He has even promised us death, but a utopia on this earth fell with the fall of Adam and will only be seen again in heaven. Do not be dismayed when bad things happen and you must suffer, your just living the life God has ordained for you. Prayer is our greatest access and comfort in times of trouble. This is what the Psalmist did and it is what we did. This is what God did promise, He promised to love us, keep us, protect us, to give us faith, and to never forsake us. Even those closest to Jesus were murdered and suffered greatly, so what make us think we are exempt?

A Thought From Jonathan Edwards: True Excellency! Worldly men imagine that there is true excellency and true happiness in those things which they are pursuing. They think that if they could but obtain them, that they would be happy. But when they obtain them, and cannot find happiness, they look for happiness in something else, and are still upon the futile pursuit. But Christ Jesus has true excellency, and so great excellency that when they come to see it they look no further, but the mind rests there. "Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
February 1, 2015

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Malachi 4:2)

Rejoice in the sun's warming rays and remember the comforting power of the Lord of Hosts. Rapture in the healing regeneration of the Son and revel in His effective resurrection. Skip and dance, O son of redemption, and find your joy in the way of righteousness!

Strengthened by Grace

Bob Hoekstra

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (2Ti_2:1)
Great strength is necessary for living as God intends. The grace of our Lord Jesus is where that strength is to be found. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Some of the specific reasons why we need strength are listed here in the immediate context of this verse.
Part of our calling as believers in Christ is passing on to others the biblical truths that God has taught us. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2Ti_2:2). Discipling others in God's truth can be demanding and discouraging. Strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
Another aspect of our life as disciples of Jesus is functioning as spiritual soldiers. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2Ti_2:3). We are the Lord's warriors in a worldwide, lifelong spiritual battle. The battle has been won by our Commander, Jesus. However, the enemy will not stop striking back until he is confined forever.  As Jesus' soldiers, we face many hardships. Again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
Another perspective on following Jesus is that of an athlete."And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2Ti_2:5). As it is in athletics, the Christian life requires discipline, training, and the exertion of great measures of energy. Yet again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
One additional analogy of our life in Christ is that of a farmer. "The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2Ti_2:6). As with farmers, we are to sow the seed of the word upon people's hearts. We are to water the seed through prayer. We are to reap a harvest of righteousness. Farming is strenuous work. Once more, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
How wonderful that God did not limit His grace to justification. We need it just as much for sanctification. We need His grace to strengthen us for the extraordinary spiritual roles that God has for us as disciplers, soldiers, athletes, and farmers. For all of this the only sufficient resource is to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
O Lord of all might and power, I desire to be a faithful discipler, a sacrificial soldier, a disciplined runner, and a laboring farmer. Lord this sounds so right, so good. Yet,You know that I am intimidated by it all as well. I hear the call, and I want to respond; but my strength is so inadequate. So, I look to You and implore You to strengthen me by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Oh, welcome sorrow! welcome suffering!

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(Ashton Oxenden, "The Blessings and Trials of Sickness" 1863)

"I know their sorrows!" Exodus 3:7

Thank God for this! I have often said within myself, "No one knows my sorrows--no one can tell what I suffer!" But now I hear, as it were, a voice from Heaven, saying to me, "I know your sorrows!"
It is my heavenly Father who speaks these words. He measures out every sorrow to me. There is not one too many. There is not one heavier, or sharper, than is needful. Neither am I called upon to bear them one day longer than is good for me.

No matter what my sorrow is; whether it arises from pain of body or anguish of heart--it is the cross that my Father has laid upon me, and I will cheerfully bear it. I will kiss the hand that smites me, for it is my heavenly Father's hand!

It is no small comfort to feel that the Lord "knows our sorrows." Therefore we may be quite sure He will not lay upon us more than we can bear. As the refiner of silver carefully watches the metal while it is in the hot furnace--so does Jesus watch over His suffering people. There is no trial too small, and no pang too hidden--for His eye to reach, and His heart to pity. He feels for them, and tenderly loves them.

Oh, welcome sorrow! welcome suffering--if it only weans me from this treacherous world, and drives me to my Savior's arms!

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