Eighth, affliction works for good in weaning Christians away from the world. A dog never bites those who live in its home, but only strangers. Affliction bites God's children so deeply because they are too little at home with the Word and ways of God, and too much at home with the world and ways of man. If they were more often at home with their Master and Shepherd in heavenly places, the afflictions would be far easier to bear. Finally, affliction is profitable in preparing God's people for their heavenly inheritance.
Affliction paves their way for glory.
Though the wind of affliction is contrary to your flesh, yet it pleases God to use this crosswind to blow you toward heaven. Your afflictions are tailor-made to fit you with divine precision all the way to glory.