"It is good for me that I have been afflicted."
- Ps.  119:71

Growing up I found this verse hard to understand.

How natural it is to shy away from adverse circumstances.  We often look upon trials as an enemy.  For the believer in Christ, the dark passages of life are actually blessings in disguise.

Granddad explained it to me this way: "Affliction is very useful and profitable for the godly.  Remember the prodigal son who had no thought of returning to his father's house until he had been humbled by adversity. Remember Hagar, who was . . .

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted."
- Ps.  119:71

Growing up I found this verse hard to understand.

How natural it is to shy away from adverse circumstances.  We often look upon trials as an enemy.  For the believer in Christ, the dark passages of life are actually blessings in disguise.

Granddad explained it to me this way: "Affliction is very useful and profitable for the godly.  Remember the prodigal son who had no thought of returning to his father's house until he had been humbled by adversity. Remember Hagar, who was haughty under Abraham's roof and despised his mistress, but in the wilderness she was meek and lowly.  Oh and remember Manasseh who lived as a libertine in Jerusalem and committed enormous crimes; but when he was bound in chains in prison his heart was turned to seek the LORD.

Bodily pain and disease have been instrumental in rousing many to seek Christ while those who were high in health have shown no concern about Him.

Are you undergoing difficult experiences?  Is your way almost too trying to endure?  Yes I have those times.  Have you reached that point where it seems impossible to face another day?

Well friends remember Rom. 8:28 is still true, and also Heb. 12:11 which assures you, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are exercised by it: BELIEVE IT!, thank God for the blessing of adversity.

Sometimes God, who knoweth best, Sends us sorrow as a test; Sometimes He doth wound the heart, Greater sweetness to impart.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY; The way to great blessing is through great trials.