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  I HAVE CHOSEN THEE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes the comfort and assurance
found in God's choice during times of affliction, highlighting the
presence of Jesus as a source of strength and peace.

Topics: "Affliction", "God's Presence"
Scripture References: Psalm 23:4, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:2, Matthew 28:20, John 15:16, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:4, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 2:9

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon encourages believers to find comfort in the assurance that
God has chosen them even in the midst of affliction. He emphasizes that
this divine selection acts as a protective armor against the trials of
life, such as poverty and sickness. Spurgeon reassures that Jesus is
always present with the believer, providing solace and companionship
during their struggles. He reminds Christians that they are never alone,
as the Lord of life visits them in their desolation, offering peace and
strength. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in Christ's promise,
knowing that He will never abandon those He has chosen.

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CONTENT
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Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought: God saith, "I have
chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Does not the word come like a
soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not an asbestos
armour, against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come--God
has chosen me. Poverty, thou mayst stride in at my door, but God is in
the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, thou mayst intrude,
but I have a balsam ready--God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in
this vale of tears, I know that He has "chosen" me. If, believer, thou
requirest still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man
with you in the furnace.

In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side One whom
thou hast not seen, but whom thou lovest; and ofttimes when thou knowest
it not, He makes all thy bed in thy affliction, and smooths thy pillow
for thee. Thou art in poverty; but in that lovely house of thine the
Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into
these desolate places, that He may visit thee. Thy friend sticks closely
to thee. Thou canst not see Him, but thou mayst feel the pressure of His
hands. Dost thou not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of
death He says, "Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy
God." Remember that noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not, thou carriest
Caesar and all his fortune." Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with thee.

In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He
will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. "Fear not, for I am
with thee," is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the
"furnace of affliction." Wilt thou not, then, take fast hold of Christ,
and say--

"Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/i-have-chosen-thee-in-the-furnace-of-affliction/
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