July 17

“No chastening seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Heb 12:11

We have all known Christian sufferers who have grown into rare, sweet beauty–as they have suffered.

They have lost their earthliness–and have learned heavenliness.

Pride–has given way to humility.

The harsh music–has grown soft and gentle.

The rough marble–has taken the shape of graceful beauty.

There are elements of loveliness in the depths of every life–which pain alone can bring out. God often chastens His children—to bring out more clearly in them, the features of His own lovely image.

Yet afflictions do not always make people better. Not all suffering yields the harvest of righteousness and peace. We have all seen people suffering, who became only more impatient, selfish, and cold. Their trouble hurt them.

As I watch the effects of suffering upon men and women, I find that it is only in the fewest cases–that the life is made more radiant by pain. There are dangerous shoals skirting all the deeps of affliction, and many frail barks are wrecked in the darkness! In no experience of life, do most people need wise friendship, and firm loving guidance–more than in their times of trouble.