The theme of this issue is that of suffering. Suffering is an experience that is common to all men. Job said, “Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). James tells us to “count it all joy” not if we fall into trials, but when! Certainly the New Testament does not promise the “health, wealth, and prosperity” preached by many today. Instead, early Christians were reminded, “all who intend to live godly will face persecution,” and “through much tribulation we enter the kingdom” (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22).
The articles in this issue all remind us of the reality of suffering for believers and teach us to trust in the sovereign work of God in the trials that we are facing. In “Tried by Fire,” A. W. Pink looks at Job’s declaration and shows us the divine purpose and result of suffering. Other articles include the first chapter from Richard Sibbes’ classic, The Bruised Reed and the final chapter from Horatius Bonar’s The Night of Weeping (recently reprinted as When God’s Children Suffer). Both provide excellent encouragement for suffering believers. Also included is an article by Jeremiah Burroughs which provides a number of exhortations to enable believers to find contentment in the midst of suffering. Additionally, we have included an article by George Whitefield encouraging us to glorify God in our times of suffering.
Finally, you will find the three messages by Charles Spurgeon especially uplifting and encouraging. Spurgeon himself was no stranger to suffering. He suffered at the hands of the press and the liberals, and even eventually at the hands of his own Baptist brethren. He not only experienced persecutions from the outside; both he and his wife were tried with many physical hardships. The messages included deal specifically with the question of the suffering of believers. “Beloved, and Yet Afflicted” was preached to invalids at Mentone, France, where Spurgeon went annually for physical rest. “The Sick Man Left Behind” was preached from his own sick bed! Surely Spurgeon knows the suffering of saints about which he teaches us!
By His Grace, Jim & Debbie
Teaching Resources International 