1608-1680
“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
By trials, God makes sin more hateful and the world less delightful. God had but one Son without corruption–but He had none without afflictions!
By trials the Lord will make His people more and more conformable to the image of His Son. Christ was much tried–He was often in the school of affliction; and the more a Christian is tried, the more into the likeness of Christ he will be transformed. The most afflicted Christians do most resemble Christ in meekness, lowliness, holiness, heavenliness, etc. The image of Christ is most fairly stamped upon afflicted souls.
Tried souls are much in looking up to Jesus–and every gracious look upon Christ changes the soul more and more into the image of Christ. Afflicted souls experience much of the comforts of Christ, and the more they experience the sweet of the comforts of Christ–the more they grow up into the likeness of Christ.
Afflictions are the tools by which the Father does more and more carve, form, and fashion His precious saints into the similitude and likeness of His dearest Son.
“I know, O LORD, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me. May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:75-76
Standing For God 