For He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
God does not pass us through trials with a smile on His face, or with an attitude of, “This serves you right.” He uses trials at times to bring us into line when our communion with Him has been broken and difficulties are the only thing that will get our attention. How much better if we are in a constant state of self-judgment before the Lord so that He doesn’t have to use His rod on us.