Everyone has sorrow. Being a Christian does not exempt anyone from grief. But faith in Christ brings a transformation of sorrow. Not only are we taught to endure the sorrows that come to us patiently and submissively–but we are assured that there is a blessing in them for us, if we accept them with love and trust.
One of the deepest truths taught in the Bible–is that earthly sorrow has a mission in the sanctifying of life.
No discipline 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. God disciplines us for our good–that we may share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10-11
We dread pain! And yet the person who has not experienced pain–has not yet touched the deepest and most precious meanings of life. There are things we never can learn–except in the school of pain! There are heights of life we never can attain–except in the bitterness of sorrow. There are joys we never can have–until we have walked in the dark ways of sorrow. Not to have sorrow, in some form, is to miss one of life’s holiest opportunities. We get our best things–out of affliction!
“I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!” Isaiah 48:10
J. R. Miller, “Life’s Byways and Waysides”
James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 – July 2, 1912)
was a popular and prolific Christian author.