". . .But This Happened So That The Work Of GOD Might Be Displayed In His Life."

Who sinned?

As HE went along, HE saw a man blind from birth. 

HIS disciples asked HIM, "Rabbi, who sinned, 

this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," 

said JESUS, "but this happened so that the work 

of GOD might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3 

"Extraordinary afflictions are not always 

the punishment of extraordinary sins--

but sometimes the trial of extraordinary 

graces. CHRIST, who perfectly knew 

the secret springs of the divine counsels, 

told them two things concerning such 

calamities: that they are not always 

inflicted as punishments of sin--

and that they are sometimes intended 

purely for the glory of GOD, and the 

manifesting of HIS works." Matthew Henry

"Afflictions are often the black foils 

in which GOD sets the jewels of HIS 

children's graces, to make them shine 

the better. There are some of your graces 

which would never be discovered, 

if it were not for your trials. 

Well, Christian, may not this account 

for the troubles through which you 

are passing? Is not the LORD bringing 

out your graces, and making them grow? 

Real growth in grace is the result of 

sanctified trials. The heart of a Christian 

is CHRIST'S garden, and his graces are 

as so many sweet spices and flowers, 

when HIS SPIRIT blows upon them, 

to send forth a sweet savor." Charles Spurgeon

"Stars shine brightest in the darkest 

night. Afflictions ripen the saints' graces. 

Gold looks the brighter for scouring. 

Just so, afflictions are but our FATHER'S 

goldsmiths who are working to add pearls 

to our crowns. Spices smell sweetest 

when pounded--and juniper smells 

sweeter in the fire." Thomas Brooks 

"Some graces grow best in winter. Grace 

withers without adversity." Samuel Rutherford

"The lowly graces of the SPIRIT thrive 

best under crosses." Daniel Rowland

"The LORD'S jewels need grinding, and 

cutting, and polishing." R.C. Chapman

"Grievous afflictions are not always sent 

as a scourge for sins committed--

but sometimes as preventatives from sins. 

Paul's thorn prevented his pride." John Leland

   ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published J.R. Miller's practical two page article, 

"The Secret of Personal Helpfulness".