What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Why does God allow trials?"
Answer
God allows trials to cleanse the character of His children and free them from hidden weaknesses, much like gold is separated from slag in a furnace. These challenges are meant to prompt self‑examination, draw us closer to Christ, and teach us to rely fully on His power rather than on ourselves. Ultimately, these experiences protect us from greater spiritual dangers and prepare us to be a strengthening example to others and to support God’s work on earth.
The Cleansing Power of the Refining Furnace
God has always tested His people in the furnace of affliction. In the heat of the refining furnace, the slag is separated from the true gold of the Christian character. Jesus watches over the trial; He knows what is needed to cleanse the precious metal so that it may reflect the brilliance of His love. Through tight, testing trials God disciplines His servants.
Protection from Greater Dangers
Our heavenly Father does not grieve or sadden His children willingly. He has His purpose in the whirlwind and the storm, in fire and flood. The Lord allows disasters to come upon His people to protect them from greater dangers. He wants each person to examine their own heart carefully and then draw near to God, so that God may draw near to them.
Growth Through Dependence on God
God brings His people closer to Him through tight, testing trials, by showing them their own weakness and inability and teaching them to rely on Him as their only help and protection. Then His purpose is fulfilled. They are prepared to be called upon in any emergency, to hold important positions of trust, and to fulfill the great purposes for which their abilities were given.
Self‑Knowledge and Purification
Trials come to all of us to cause us to examine our hearts and see whether they are cleansed of all that defiles. Constantly the Lord works for our present and eternal good.... He wants them to leave the path that, if they were allowed to walk it untested and unblemished, would lead them into great danger.
Spiritual Enrichment and Role‑Model Function
God allows trials to press upon His people so that they themselves, through their steadfastness and obedience, may be spiritually enriched and their example can become a source of strength for others. ... Indeed, the trials that challenge our faith most severely and make it seem as if God has abandoned us are meant to draw us closer to Christ.
Revealing Hidden Character Traits
Everyone has undiscovered character traits that must be brought to light through trials. God allows those who are self‑sufficient to be severely tested so that they may understand their helplessness. ... Often we enter the furnace of affliction with souls darkened by selfishness; but if we are patient under the decisive trial, we will emerge and reflect the divine character.
- Character cleansing through trials
- Why does God allow suffering
- God’s purpose in affliction
Original Sources (English)
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