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  HE MAY MURMUR AND STRUGGLE AT FIRST
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves to draw
believers closer to God and purify their hearts.

Topics: "Affliction", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:67, Psalm 119:71, Romans 5:3

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves as a divine tool to
purify and strengthen believers, drawing them closer to God. He reflects
on Psalm 119:67, illustrating how trials can lead to spiritual growth
and deeper communion with God. Brooks notes that while initial reactions
to affliction may include murmuring and struggle, understanding its
purpose can lead to acceptance and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm
119:71. Ultimately, afflictions are portrayed as necessary for enhancing
one's relationship with God and manifesting His love and grace.

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CONTENT
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"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now

I obey Your word." Psalm 119:67

Affliction is a fire to purge out our dross, and to

make our graces shine. Affliction is the remedy

which cures all our spiritual diseases.

By afflictions, God humbles the hearts of His people,

and betters the hearts of His people, and draws the

hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself.

"It was good for me to be afflicted." Psalm 119:71

The saints gain by their crosses, troubles, and distresses.

Their graces are more raised,

their fellowship with God is more multiplied,

their comforts are more augmented,

their communion with God is more heightened.

The grand design of God in all the afflictions

which befall His people--is to bring them

nearer and closer to Himself.

When a great affliction arrests a sincere Christian,

he may murmur and struggle at first; but when

he considers it as sent from God, to bring him to

God, the King of glory--he willingly and readily

submits to the rod, and kisses the rod, saying,

"It was good for me to be afflicted!" Ps. 119:71

The power of God, the love of God, and the grace

of God--are most gloriously manifested by bringing

the hearts of His people nearer and closer to Himself

by all the troubles, distresses, and dangers which

attend them. In the winter season, all the sap of the

tree runs down to the root; just so--in the winter of

affliction, the soul runs out more and more to

God, and gets closer and nearer to God!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/he-may-murmur-and-struggle-at-first/
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