“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67).
Trials have a simple test: what have they produced in you? If suffering has brought humility, meekness, and a more broken heart before God, then it has fulfilled a good purpose. If struggles have awakened sincere prayer, deep sighs, and a true cry for the Lord to draw near, visit, and restore the soul, then they were not in vain. When pain leads us to seek God more earnestly, it has already begun to bear fruit.
Affliction removes false coverings, exposes spiritual illusions, and leads us back to what is solid. God uses trials to make us more sincere, more spiritual, and more aware that only He can sustain the soul. The Father reveals His plans to the obedient, and often it is in the fire of adversity that we learn to obey more truly, ceasing to trust in ourselves.
Therefore, do not despise the effect of trials. If they have made you more faithful, more attentive to the Word, and more determined to obey, then they have done your soul good. God transforms pain into an instrument of purification, leading the obedient to a firmer faith and deeper communion with Him—a path that leads to true consolation and the life that endures. Adapted from J.C. Philpot. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows.
Pray with me: Beloved Father, help me discern what You are working in me through trials. May I not harden my heart, but allow them to make me more humble and sincere before You.
My God, teach me to obey even when the path leads through pain. May afflictions draw me closer to Your Word and strengthen my resolve to honor You in everything.
Oh, beloved Lord, I thank You because You use even struggles for the good of my soul. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is the foundation that remains when everything is shaken. Your commandments are the sure path that makes me firmer, purer, and closer to You. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
