Lamentations 3:25-51
In order that testing might never lead us to doubt God’s love, the prophet is now quick to add that "he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men" (v. 33). This is especially true of those who are His redeemed! 1 Peter 1:6 confirms that He only does it "for a season" and only "if need be". Now testing is often necessary to break our own will when we have allowed it to develop. That is why it is good for a man "to bear the yoke in his youth" (v. 27). Working hard at being obedient when one is still a child and learning to do as one is told in the family home is a way of preparing oneself to accept the authority of the Lord for all one’s life.
For us also, testing is often an opportunity to examine ourselves: "Let us search and try our ways . . ." (v. 40). We will thus be able to acknowledge with the author of Psalms 119:1-176 : "It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (v. 71).
"Thou hast made us as the off-scouring and refuse in the midst of the people" (v. 45). Paul uses the same comparison, but not to complain about it (1 Corinthians 4:13). The service of the evangelist and the love of the saints allowed him freely to accept that situation.