Trusting God's sovereignty, love, and wisdom in times of affliction

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Heavenly Father, Sovereign Lord of all creation,
I come before You in humility, acknowledging that You are the God who ordains all things according to the counsel of Your will. Nothing befalls me apart from Your divine purpose; and even in my affliction, I trust that You are working all things for my good and for Your glory.

Lord, You have said in Your Word that trials refine us like gold in the furnace. Though I do not always understand Your ways, I know that Your wisdom is perfect, and Your love is steadfast. Teach me to submit to Your wise providence, to see affliction not as punishment, but as a means of transforming me into the image of Your beloved Son.

Strengthen me, O God, that I may not grow weary in suffering, but instead, fix my eyes on Jesus, who endured far greater affliction for my sake. Help me to take comfort in Your promises:
  that You will never leave me nor forsake me,
  that Your grace is sufficient for me,
  and that no trial can separate me from the love of Jesus.

Father, in my weakness, uphold me by Your righteous right hand. When my heart is heavy, remind me that this light and momentary affliction is preparing for me an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Let my trials deepen my dependence on You, increase my love for You and Your Word, and conform me more into the image of Your Son.

In the name of my Redeemer, Jesus, who bore my sins on Calvary's cursed tree. Amen.

"God does not chasten us because He is angry, but because He loves us. "Whom the Lord loves, He chastens." By affliction, the Lord separates the sin that He hates, from the soul that He loves."

"He knows the way that I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold!" Job 23:10