The Peaceful Fruit of Affliction

Hebrews 12:5-11 Is one of the most important passages in Holy Scripture for understanding the nature and effects of affliction.  I have mentioned this passage several times before, but I do not apologize for calling it to you attention again.  The extraordinary importance of its subject makes repetition a blessing.  Every Puritan preacher I have read on these verses has given me valuable insights, particularly John Owen.  Recently a sermon by Stephen Charnock deepened my appreciation again.  I will mention just one thing I learned.  Beyond the pain of the affliction is the gracious result, the goal God intended in sending the difficulty the first place.  Hebrews 5:11 tells us that this is “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”  James 1:4 describes the result of trials as being “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  Now those phrases may not really connect with you, but if you take them apart, and examine carefully what is promised in these verses, you will see that they refer to what we want most in life—to be happy.  Afflictions open eyes that have been blinded by sin to see what truly gives happiness; they open the door to filling up every corner of our hearts, so that we are complete, lacking in nothing.  Fruitfulness conveys the idea of accomplishing all that honors God.  The peace of heart that accompanies fulfilling the will of God signifies a heart that is at rest, satisfied, and complete.  Think of it!  Affliction is designed to give us what we really want, and to enable us to appreciate it when we have it.