The familiar verse, James 1:2-3, reads:
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
It’s hard to remember that for Christians, affliction is not God’s disfavor, but his favor. God changes, builds and refines us. One such way is through our trials and difficulties. It’s easy to see in retrospect, but difficult to embrace in the moment.
To that end I think, Thomas Watson wrote this:
“To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over.”
