April 27, 2023
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71
Affliction has proven to be an advantage for God’s people. It has humbled many before the Lord and strengthened their relationship with Him. It has also produced lives of separation unto God, followed by dedicated service.
Without affliction…
- Joseph would have remained a shepherd instead of being second in command of Egypt.
- Moses would have remained in Egypt instead leading God’s people out of bondage.
- Daniel would have lived an obscure life instead of becoming Prime Minister of two World Empires.
- Paul would have continued as a lost Pharisee instead of God’s apostle to the Gentiles.
- John would never have found himself exiled to the Island of Patmos where God gave him the Revelation.
Affliction is something God permits so that one looks to Him and seeks to live by His statutes, or Word. It’s affliction that draws us closer to God and lights a fire within that drives us forward for His glory.
- William Tyndale lived a life on the run until he was betrayed, captured, and executed, but because of his faithfulness the Bible was sent out in printed form so that all could read it.
- John Bunyan’s greatest literary work, The Pilgrim’s Progress, was written while he sat in the Bedford prison.
- Thomas Goodwin possessed a large library which was mostly consumed in a terrible fire. Discouraged, he said God had struck him in a tender place, “I loved my books too well, and God corrected this by affliction.” After this he wrote Patience and its Perfect Work, which has encouraged a multitude of believers.
- George Whitefield was mocked and physically assaulted on numerous occasions but he would not be deterred and his preaching prepared the future nation of America for a great revival.
- Fanny Crosby was blind but instead of living with discouragement she used the gifts God gave her to write a multitude of poems and hymns, many of which are still sung today.
Like David, some of the greatest saints have been afflicted and found it to be good. If you’re troubled today, don’t lose hope, look to God and live for His glory.