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  DISEASES, ACHES, SICKNESSES, PAINS
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Suffering is a product of sin, and our response to it should be
one of sensitivity to God's presence and displeasure.

Topics: "Suffering", "Grace in Affliction"
Scripture References: Isaiah 26:9

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that diseases, aches, and pains are
consequences of sin, and failing to recognize this connection only
exacerbates one's suffering. He explains that while grace does not
eliminate human nature, it enhances our sensitivity to God's discipline,
allowing us to feel the weight of our burdens without losing faith.
Brooks illustrates this with examples of faithful figures who, despite
their pain, maintained a spirit of gratitude rather than grumbling. He
warns that indifference to God's afflictions can provoke further
suffering, urging believers to acknowledge their struggles while
trusting in God's purpose.

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CONTENT
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Diseases, aches, sicknesses, pains--they are all the

daughters of sin, and he who is not sensible of them as

the births and products of sin, does but add to his sin,

and provokes the Lord to add to his sufferings. Is. 26:9-11

No man shall ever be charged by God for feeling his

burden, if he neither frets nor faints under it. Grace

does not destroy nature--but rather perfects it. Grace

is of a noble offspring; it neither turns men into stocks

nor to stoics. The more grace--the more sensible of the

tokens, frowns, blows, and lashes--of a displeased Father.

Though Calvin, under his greatest pains, was never

heard to mutter nor murmur--yet he was heard often

to say 'How long, Lord, how long?'

A pious commander being shot in battle, when the wound

was searched, and the bullet cut out, some standing by,

pitying his pain, he replied, 'Though I groan, yet I bless

God I do not grumble.' God allows His people to groan,

though not to grumble. It is a God-provoking sin to lie

stupid and senseless under the afflicting hand of God.

God will heat that man's furnace of affliction sevenfold

hotter, who is in the furnace but feels it not.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/diseases-aches-sicknesses-pains/
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