Isaiah 17:7-8 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

The function of adversity.

I. THE PREVALENCE OF TROUBLE IN THIS WORLD OF SIN . "That day" was the day of national disaster, and, therefore, of individual distress. In the more settled and durable condition of modern times and Western lands, we are much less liable to suffer from this particular cause. But civilization brings its own perils and its own troubles, and while sin lasts "the day" of sorrow will be continually recurring. How many are the sources whence it may spring! Pecuniary embarrassment; disappointment; the loss of kindred or friends, or (what is worse) the loss of their love and their friendship; humiliation; ill health, and the fear of sudden removal from those who are clinging, and perhaps dependent; a sense of guilt before God; a sense of defeat as a Christian aspirant or Christian workman, etc.

II. GOD 'S PURPOSE IN SENDING IT .

1. God does send it . (See Amos 3:6 .) He directly inflicts it, or he furthers it in his Divine providence, or, at the least, he permits it (see, also, Matthew 10:29 ).

2. He sends it to draw us to himself .