Section 9
sufferings we undergo are assigned to us by God for a positive purpose.
Paul speaks of this purpose in 2 Corinthians 4:16 and 17: "Wherefore we do not lose heart, but if indeed our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary lightness of affliction works out for us, more and more surpassingly, an eter nal weight of glory." Although the afflictions are assigned by God, they do not come from Him directly. Rather, every affliction, disaster, calam ity, or catastrophe comes from Satan. But they come with God's permission and for His purpose to perfect us. This was the reason Paul could declare that the present lightness of affliction works for us an exceeding weight of glory. God has a purpose to fulfill concerning us, and this purpose sometimes requires Satan's help.
A few months ago I had a problem with my health. I knew this problem was caused by the Devil, Satan. But I also realized that it was per mitted by God for a purpose. The Lord wanted to touch something in me, and He used this means to do it.
If we look at the cases of Job and Paul, we shall see that God permits Satan to cause afflic tion. As soon as the affliction comes, Satan comes