Word of Encouragement (9/17/2020)

From today, we are going to talk about “using God’s promises in affliction.”

Afflictions are unavoidable in this fallen world. This is all the more so for Christians because we are strangers and aliens in this world: the world is prone to hate us (John 15:18) and persecute us on account of Jesus Christ (Matt. 5:11). As the authors say,

“Suffering is to be expected, not only as part of our human experience [in this fallen world], but also as part of our Christian pilgrimage heavenward. Our suffering, whether as a direct result of our faith and defense of the cause of Christ, or something we bear as part of the fallen world, should not surprise us. However, because we are Christians, and therefore heirs of the promises of God, our trials and afflictions have a different purpose [than a mere punishment of our sins]—the sanctify us within the grand scheme of god’s redemption of our souls” (p. 74).

So, we can say that afflictions are necessary in our Christian life:

“Afflictions are the instruments by which God, as Master Carpenter, shapes and conforms us to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:28-29). They are the means by which God completes the good work He began in us (Phil. 1:6-7). They are occasions for our faith to grow in steadfastness and maturity (James 1:2-4). They are the means by which God exposes our sin to lead us to repentance (Job 42:3b, 5-6) and to reveal our hearts (Gen. 22:1, 12). And they are necessary goads sent to test the genuineness of our faith and prepare us for the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7; Matt. 10:22b)” (p. 74).

This is because we are prone to spiritual complacency and sinful pride and foolish stubbornness. God has to shout at us through affliction to get our attention and open our hearts to His instruction and guidance. God does this because He truly loves us; He knows the danger of our sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell” (Matt. 5:29). So then, we should not despise the afflictions that God brings to us for our good. This is how Paul responded to affliction: “…I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

What affliction are you going through? Can you see in it “the severe mercy of God”? Won’t you pray for that so that you can patiently bear it and even give thanks for all the good God is going to bring out it?

Have a blessed day!