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Daily Devotional - September 22Believers Appointed To Afflictions"...that no one should be shaken by these afflictions,for you yourselves know thatWE ARE APPOINTED TO THIS. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with youthat we would suffer tribulation,just as it happened, and you know."1 Thessalonians 3:3-4We are APPOINTED to afflictions?Yes indeed, because that's where we grow.You could not learn unconditional love unless there were someone hard to love. You could not learn patience if your prayers were always answered quickly. You could not experience the "peace that surpasses understanding" unless you experienced it in impossible circumstances. You could not learn long-suffering unless there were an affliction that lingers on and on.These things are VERY precious in the sight of the Lord. Here is where we can learn of him, and here is where we can please him with unshakable faith."...that the genuineness of your faith, being MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD that perishes,though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."1 Peter 1:7There is consolation in this chapter in Thessalonians too. He ends the chapter by pointing us to the coming of the Lord:verse 13:"...so that he may establish your hearts blamelessin holiness before our God and Fatherat the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."Do not envy the wicked who prosper. The only happiness they will ever have is the happiness they experience here.Our fate is just the opposite. The only pain we'll ever endure is what we endure here.Heaven is eternal joy.Earth is boot camp.VIEW PIC:https://pmailletpmpics.blogspot.com/2020/04/sufferings-to-glory.htmlFrom:Along Emaus Roadhttp://alongemausrd.blogspot.com/