The Path of God's Sons

From: Young Christian: Volume 9, 1919

• 1 min. read • grade level: 6

God had but one Son without sin, but He had no son without suffering. His only begotten Son was a Man of Sorrows; and the Holy Spirit assures us, “If ye be without chastening, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons” (Heb. 12:8⁸But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:8)).

Let all Christians prepare for affliction, on account of having an interest in God through Christ; on account of having sins pardoned and purged; on account of having peace with God; on account of having hearts crucified to the world; and then when troubles come, let us bear them as Christians, neither murmur nor repine, but patiently receive everything from His hand, knowing He intends all for our blessing. Not desponding nor fainting, but remembering that our troubles are no more, but infinitely less, than we have deserved. “He will not lay upon man more than right.” (Job 34:23²³For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. (Job 34:23)).

God perfectly understands our need, and knows our strength: “If need be, ye are in heaviness.” (1 Peter 1:6⁶Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (1 Peter 1:6)). “He is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.” (1 Cor. 10:13¹³There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)). It is the wise, just, and gracious God, that mixes our cup for us.

Many earthly parents do not correct their children as they should, being ignorant of their nature and disposition; and therefore their correction does them no good.

Many physicians mistake the constitutions of their patients, and therefore do them more harm than good; but God knows our need and strength, and suits all His remedies accordingly.

In our affliction, let us search our hearts, and try our ways; let us fly to God by prayer, and resign ourselves to Him, and trust in Him, casting our cares and burdens on Him. (Psa. 55:22²²Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22); 1 Peter 5:7⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)).

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