It didn't take too many more pages to uncover something else that needs to capture our attention. We often ask "Why do bad things happen to good people?', forgetting 1) that none are good save God alone; and 2) God often uses that which we call "bad" for our good.
When was the last time that you heard anyone preach on the fact that God "chastens those whom He loves", or that God brings affliction into our lives to draw us closer to Himself?
From Flavel:
We may conclude our afflictions to be sanctified, and to come from the love of God to us, when they do not alienate our hearts from God, but inflame our love to Him. This is a sure rule: whatever ends in the increase of our love to God proceeds from the love of God to us. A wicked man finds his heart rising against God when He smites him, but a gracious heart cleaves the closer to Him; he can love as well as justify an afflicting God. (pg. 202-203)
May He grant us "gracious hearts", inflamed in love for Him, even when he afflicts us.
10 Key Bible Verses on Glorification
15 hours ago
No comments:
Post a Comment