It is because God
is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and
obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed
conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters
better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and
susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of
His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions
and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the
defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives
them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His
service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may
be purified.
Trials come to us all to lead us to investigate our
hearts, to see if they are purified from all that defiles.
It is in mercy that the Lord reveals to men their hidden
defects. He would have them critically examine the complicated emotions and
motives of their own hearts, and detect that which is wrong, and modify their
dispositions and refine their manners. God would have His servants become
acquainted with their own hearts. In order to bring to them a true
knowledge of their condition, He permits the fire of affliction to assail them,
so that they may be purified. The trials of life are God's workmen to
remove the impurities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters, and fit
them for the society of pure, heavenly angels in glory.
Stay tuned for the next post in this study..
1 Peter 1:7, 4:12,13/James 1:12/Revelation 3:18/2 Timothy 2:3/Romans 5:3/Mark 13:20,21/1 Peter 5:10
© 2013 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
