Charles Bridges writes , 'Although we are children of God,we are still children of Adam; with Adam's will,pride, independence, and waywardness'. The context of this is Proverbs 3 v11-12,'My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction; For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; ; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth'. It is the writer of Hebrews (12 v 5-6 ) who quotes these verses ,the Hebrew Christians have known times of suffering,and that suffering can be the chastening of God. Chastening is one aspect of suffering,Paul's thorn in the flesh caused him much suffering (2 Corinthians 12 ) the reason being ,he had a tremendous experience ,beyond anything we have ever had, the consequences of that was pride,like us Paul was a child of Adam,and so to keep him in check, God sent him an humbling affliction.Lets be honest not many of us see see that often our suffering can come from our loving Father who is chastening us.As our earthly father chastens us,so our loving heavenly Father chastens us.Every thing God does for us ,is for our benefit, God does not spoil us He disciplines us.because that is what we need.The poet wrote,' the very hand that strikes the blow, was wounded once for me'.God has a purpose in it all,accepted aright it will produce godly qualities in our lives (Romans 5 v 3-4)
'We ask not,Father,for repose, which comes from outward rest,
If we may have through all life's woes,Thy peace within our breast.
That peace which suffers and is strong,Trusts where it cannot see,
Deems not the trial-way too long, but leaves the end with Thee;
O Father, give our hearts this peace, Whate'er the outward be,
Till all life's discipline shall cease,and we go home to Thee'
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