I Have Chosen Thee in the Furnace of Affliction
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.
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.
Text
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."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's choice in affliction - The comfort of God's presence - The assurance of being chosen
- II points: - The role of Jesus in our trials - Finding peace in the furnace - The promise of His companionship
- III points: - The significance of faith during suffering - The strength found in God's promises - Encouragement to persevere
- IV points: - The transformative power of affliction - Recognizing God's purpose in trials - Embracing the journey with Christ
Key Quotes
“I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in God's presence during your trials, knowing He has chosen you.
- Embrace the comfort that comes from Jesus being with you in your afflictions.
- Hold onto faith and follow Christ through every challenge you face.