"The Scriptures tell us that we are God's husbandry. Just as the farmer uses many tools in order to bring about a substantial harvest, even so does God have many spiritual tools that He uses to bring about an eternal work in us. Matthew Henry said - 'Afflictions are God's threshing-instrument, designed to loosen us from the world, to separate between us and our chaff, and to prepare us for use. And, as to these, God will make use of them as there is occasion...herein we must acknowledge Him wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.'"