Afflictions serve to . . .

(Thomas Brooks)

God's house of correction, is His school of instruction.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word." Psalm 119:67

"It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your decrees." Psalm 119:71 

Afflictions serve to . . .
  revive and recover decayed graces,
  inflame that love that is cold,
  quicken that faith that is decaying,
  animate those hopes that are withering, and
  put life into those joy and comforts that are languishing.

Afflictions serve to keep the hearts of the saints humble and tender.

Afflictions lift up the soul to more rich, clear, and full enjoyments of God.
 
Afflictions are God's furnace by which He cleanses His people from their dross!

Afflictions are God's sweet preservatives to keep the saints from sin, which is a greater evil than Hell itself.
 
Afflictions serve to bring the saints nearer to God, and to make them more earnest in prayer.

Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Bring me to my Savior's feet,
Lay me low and keep me there!
  William Cowper