On Pain & Suffering and God

For eleven months I suffered from malarial fever and inflammatory rheumatism. During this time I experienced the most terrible suffering of my whole life. ...in all this there was a cheerful side. My Saviour seemed to be close beside me. I felt His sacred presence in my heart, and I was thankful.

These months of suffering were the happiest months of my life, because of the companionship of my Saviour....

I am so thankful that I had this experience, because I am better acquainted with my precious Lord and Saviour. His love filled my heart. All through my sickness His love, His tender compassion, was my comfort, my continual consolation.

Manuscript 75, 1893, ellen g white

Salvation - The Father Suffered Too

The Father Himself suffered with the Son; for “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 

Man, with his human, finite judgment, cannot safely question the wisdom of God.  Hence it is unbecoming for him to criticize the plan of salvation. 

 Before the theme of redemption, let man lay his wisdom in the dust, and accept the plans of Him whose wisdom is infinite.

The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of him [the devil] who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. 

Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889, e g white

Our Friend in Trials and Sufferings

Sometimes, we are called to pass through periods of trial and hardship.  Our future seems hedged with difficulties.  Our faith and loyalty are tested to the limit.  But NEVER does God desert us.  He awaits the right moment to come to our rescue.

 Maybe you are troubled, perplexed, and afraid; it may be because you have forgotten that you have Jesus for a Friend.   Jesus is “a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.  Take Jesus at His word and go boldly and with confidence and tell Jesus all that is on your heart.