FIVE WAYS AFFLICTION HELPS
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Psalm 119:67
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”
REFLECTION
GOD’S PAINFUL HELP EXPLAINED
“This verse shows that God sends affliction to help us learn his word. How does that work? How does affliction help us learn and obey the word of God?
There are innumerable answers, as there are innumerable experiences of this great mercy. But here are five:
Affliction takes away the glibness of life and makes us more serious, so that our mindset is more in tune with the seriousness of God’s word. And mark this: There is not a single glib page in the book of God.
Affliction knocks worldly props out from under us and forces us to rely more on God, which brings us more in tune with the aim of the word. For the aim of the word is that we hope in God and trust him. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). “These [things] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31).
Affliction makes us search the Scriptures with greater desperation for help, rather than treating it as marginal to life. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Affliction brings us into the partnership of Christ’s sufferings, so that we fellowship more closely with him and see the world more readily through his eyes. Paul’s great heart longing was “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
Affliction mortifies deceitful and distracting fleshly desires, and so brings us into a more spiritual frame and makes us receptive to the spiritual word of God. “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1). Suffering has a great sin-killing effect. And the more pure we are, the more clearly we see God (Matthew 5:8).
May the Holy Spirit give us grace to not begrudge the pedagogy of God through pain.”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
FIVE WAYS AFFLICTION HELPS
GOD’S PAINFUL HELP EXPLAINED
Affliction is crucial for Christian growth because it humbles us and reveals our dependence on God. When everything is easy, we can become complacent or drift away from His will, but suffering often brings us back to Him in prayer and trust. Difficulties refine our faith, much like fire purifies gold, strengthening our character and deepening our reliance on His promises. Through affliction, we learn obedience, patience, and perseverance, growing in spiritual maturity. It also allows us to experience God’s comfort and grace firsthand, equipping us to encourage and help others who go through similar trials. Ultimately, affliction aligns our hearts with God’s word, teaching us to walk in His ways with greater faith and devotion.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that trials and afflictions are not meant to harm me but to refine me and draw me closer to You. Lord, help me to see difficulties through the eyes of faith, knowing that You are working all things for my good. Change my thinking, that I may no longer fear hardships but embrace them as opportunities to grow in trust, obedience, and perseverance. Jesus, You have overcome the world, and in You, I, too, am victorious. Fill me with Your peace in the midst of trials, that I may not be shaken but stand firm in Your promises. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to endure with joy, to walk in unwavering faith, and to glorify the Father through every challenge I face. I surrender my struggles to You, Lord, and I choose to walk in victory, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love. May my life be a testimony of Your grace and power, shining for Your glory. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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