J.A. Matteson
Life tempers youthful idealism; and a man of sorrows has sympathy for the plight of those afflicted with suffering. "He who is at ease holds calamity in contempt, as prepared for those whose feet slip" (Job 12:5). Pride distorts perspective; and the absence of trials puffs up the heart. While we remain unscathed of hardship we are of little use as an instrument of mercy to the one in need. Our default assumption is that some secret sin is the cause of their calamity. While true at times, a universal application of presumed guilt denotes spiritual immaturity. Blessed is the man who sees the gracious hand of God in the suffering of others. The travail of soul in the righteous is His gift of sanctification, whereby the image of His Son may more fully be revealed. And until one experiences God's gift of suffering he remains callously suspicious of those under trial. The LORD calls us higher upon the mount. The way is difficult and the path uncrowded. Where along the journey the afflicted are is known only to God. As He works His grace in them we can be ready to encourage them to remain true to Him who calls, whose ways are often not in accordance to human reason. Have you suffered? Be on the watch for providences where God will use you as an instrument of mercy to those in need, who are suffering what you have suffered. God's presence through you will lighten the load and refresh the spirit of the one suffering.
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