also recognize the inherent inclination of our carnal nature to cast off
furnace of fire. Is it not fitting that the excellent gift of patience, bestowed upon believers by their God, be put to use and made evident? Otherwise, it would never be valued according to its true worth. Therefore, when God supplies the means to bring forth these virtues, preventing them from lurking in obscurity or being wasted and lost, there is sound reason for the afflictions endured by His saints, for without such trials, their patience would not exist. Moreover, I say that through the cross, believers are also trained in obedience. They learn to live not according to their own desires, but at the disposal of God. If everything proceeded as they wished, they would never truly understand what it means to follow God. Seneca mentioned an old proverb that when someone was encouraged to endure adversity, they would say, "Follow God." This implies that individuals only submit to the yoke of God when they willingly endure His discipline and correction. Therefore, since it is right for us to demonstrate obedience to our heavenly Father in all things, we should not shy away from any method by which He trains us in obedience.
5. Yet, if we truly comprehend the necessity of obedience, we must also recognize the inherent inclination of our carnal nature to cast off the yoke of God whenever it is treated with even a hint of gentleness and indulgence. It is akin to the behavior of unruly horses that, when left idle for a few days in pasture and stable, become untamable and fail to recognize the rider whom they once obediently obeyed. Invariably, we fall into the very state that God laments in the people of Israel – growing fat and stubborn, kicking against the very One who has nurtured and cared for us (Deuteronomy 32:15). Though the kindness of God should attract us to reflect upon and love His goodness, our inherent wickedness is such that we are easily corrupted by His leniency. Thus, it is not only necessary, but essential, for us to be restrained by discipline, lest we give in to petulance and rebellion. In His wisdom, the Lord intervenes through the cross to subdue and control the arrogance of our flesh. He does so in various ways, tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Just as not all of us suffer from the same ailment, our cures do not