They are not intended for our pleasure, but for our profit!
 
(Thomas Watson)

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort. But to be assured . . .
  that all things which happen shall cooperate for their good,
  that their crosses shall be turned into blessings,
  that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more
-this may fill their hearts with joy until they run over!


"As the wicked are hurt by the best things - so the godly are bettered by the worst things!" William Jenkyn


"Poverty and affliction take away the fuel that feeds pride." Richard Sibbes


"God's wounds cure - sin's kisses kill." William Gurnall


"I am . . .
  mended by my sickness,
  enriched by my poverty, and
  strengthened by my weakness.
Thus was it with King Manasseh when he was in affliction, "He sought the Lord his God."
His iron shackles were more precious to him than his gold,
his jail was a more happy lodging than his palace,
Babylon was a better school than Jerusalem.
What fools are we, then, to frown upon our afflictions!
These, however difficult, are our best friends!
They are not intended for our pleasure, but for our profit!" Abraham Wright


"God disciplines us for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10