Pain. Struggles. Trials. Calamities.
We would love to bask in a life free of trouble, yet often times we find ourselves with scars of a wounded soul. The life we have lived thus far seems far from trouble, and at times it seems there is more hopelessness than hope.
Some moments in life feel like hurt and sorrow outweigh the joyous occasions, and all we desire is to feel happy for more than a mere moment.
The afflictions we experience can give us an overwhelming sensation, and our human carnality tells us God has given us more than we can bear.
Yet, what if we looked at afflictions as opportunities to become more like Christ rather than condemnations? What if the afflictions in our lives were meant to draw us closer to God?
Check your Pulse Moment: If deeper intimacy is found through our desperation and our need for him, than afflictions are truly a blessing.
The Bible says in Psalm 119:70-75 (NIV),
“Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”
Here Are 3 Reasons Why “ It Was Good For You to Be Afflicted”:
1. The afflictions and trials we endure in life are good for us because they test our faith in God.
2 Chronicles 32:31 says:
“However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.”
2. Afflictions reveal our hearts and teach us that our sole dependency can only be trusted in our creator, not the things of this world.
If we are to know where are our heart is, we must be tested. Trials test our faith, and through trials, the examination of where our heart truly stands is revealed. Without continuous evaluation of our hearts, our sinful nature will overtake our life.
Jeremiah 17:9 says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know?”
If our heart is to beat the rhythm of God’s HeartBeat, then we must consistently examine where our heart stands. Through the trials in our life, we learn what our hearts look like in the eyes of Christ.
3. Afflictions allow us to assist others in their adversities.
No one can argue with your personal story. You know the struggles you have overcome, and through your personal testimony, you can encourage others to endure.
For an individual to be able to relate to someone through their personal testimony, it displays to those in similar trials that they can overcome with God.
Side note: If we can be honest, there are some past struggles that we feel ashamed to share, but if you have taken those things to the cross, there is no need in being ashamed of what God has brought through, or out of.
If we can see afflictions as God molding us and shaping us to be more like him, then our perspective would change.
Rather than asking the Lord “WHY,” ask him “What.” It’s easy to ask God “Why” in the middle of trials but challenging to ask him “What” he is trying to teach you. If you are currently in a trail, ask God “What” he is trying to teach you through your struggles.
Your afflictions are not by accident! Your trials are meant to draw you nearer to the Lord!