PERFECTION OF SUFFERING

 

PERFECTION OF SUFFERING The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8 There is a Divine mystery in suffering, a strange and supernatural power in it, which isn't easy for humans to comprehend. There has never been great saintliness of soul which did not pass through great suffering. When the suffering soul reaches a calm sweet surrender of the current circumstances, handing it up to God; it is then that patience has its perfect work; THEN the crucifixion begins to weave itself into a crown. It is in this state of perfection through suffering that the Holy Spirit works many marvelous things in our souls. In such a condition, our whole being lies perfectly still under the hand of God; the mind, will and heart are at last subdued; a quietness of eternity settles down into the whole being; the tongue grows still, and has but few words to say; it stops asking God questions; it stops crying, “Why?” Such a person is interested only in the purpose of God, and feels assured that God is making everything in the universe, good or bad, past or present, work together for good. Oh, the blessedness of being absolutely conquered by God! In heaven we will marvel at the work that God has done in those who were chosen for it. O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in fair colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires. Isaiah 54:11 Streams in the Desert, edited.