“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:10,11
All our desire in this world should be to live holily and live usefully; and affliction, by the blessing of God, has great influence in promoting both. It greatly promotes holiness, and is also no small preparative for usefulness. It is working out at the same time a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in the other world. God always chastens us for our profit. Though we may thereby lose earthly comforts, ease, and enjoyments; yet it is a profitable loss. What we lose in these things, we gain in holiness. It is for our profit, to become partakers of his holiness. It is for our profit, to be brought to repentance for every sin, to be delivered from ensnaring temptations, or to be prepared for any service to which our master may call us. If we cannot see the end the Lord has in view, still let us believe, that it is for our profit in some way or other, yes, and in the way of all others, by which we can profit the most, and be the greatest gainers.