Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.–Heb. 12:11
I cannot say,
Beneath the pressure of life’s cares to-day,
I joy in these;
But I can say
That I had rather walk this rugged way,
If Him it please.——-S. G. BROWNING.
Life is tough for everyone. But, for those who make it their main purpose to please the Lord, every problem and pain has a purpose to help them onward toward their goal. Their burdens make them better, rather than bitter. Even when God must chasten us, it is for our good and His glory– let us then not complain.
F. R. Havergal wrote: The particular annoyance which befell you this morning; the vexatious words which met your ear and “grieved” your spirit; the disappointment which was His appointment for to-day; the slight but hindering ailment; the presence of some one who is “a grief of mind” to you,–whatever this day seemeth not joyous, but grievous, is linked in “the good pleasure of His goodness” with a corresponding afterward of “peaceable fruit,” the very seed from which, if you only do not choke it, this shall spring and ripen.
