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- Oct 26, 2007
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Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou [art] good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119:66-68 KJV
Affliction in this life is an opportunity to move closer to God.
Sometimes we bring affliction upon ourselves, as did the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, he became so hungry that he “longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating” (Luke 15:16). This young man’s own choices had caused his hardship, and yet his difficulties became an opportunity once “he came to his senses” (Luke 15:17) and repented. Affliction had brought about obedience from the heart.
Other times, affliction comes from the hand of the Father. Jesus Himself experienced this: “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). We are God’s beloved children too, and so “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
And finally, affliction comes simply from being in this dying world. Jesus reminded His followers, “You will have suffering in this world” but in the same breath added this promise: “Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Be patient in all affliction, and believe in God’s goodness through it.
Prayer: Father, thank You for anything that draws me closer to You.
Affliction in this life is an opportunity to move closer to God.
Sometimes we bring affliction upon ourselves, as did the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, he became so hungry that he “longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating” (Luke 15:16). This young man’s own choices had caused his hardship, and yet his difficulties became an opportunity once “he came to his senses” (Luke 15:17) and repented. Affliction had brought about obedience from the heart.
Other times, affliction comes from the hand of the Father. Jesus Himself experienced this: “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). We are God’s beloved children too, and so “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
And finally, affliction comes simply from being in this dying world. Jesus reminded His followers, “You will have suffering in this world” but in the same breath added this promise: “Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Be patient in all affliction, and believe in God’s goodness through it.
Prayer: Father, thank You for anything that draws me closer to You.
