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AriseandShine.org

August 2003

Afflictions

8/2/2003

 
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works 
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17
 
I am continuing to learn the deep spiritual value of troubles, trials, and afflictions...
For these things, when they come into my life at various times, only cause me to run straight into the arms of Jesus.
 
When hardship hits, I find myself running right to God's throne of grace to help in my times of need. And, by the way, the Bible says to do this (Hebrews 4:14-16).
 
There was a time when, in the early years of my Christian journey, I tried my best to avoid troubles and afflictions. I did not want hardship or difficult circumstances to come my way. I was in "pain avoidance,” and I think it was perfectly normal to feel like this.
 
But as I began to mature in my faith, I came to realize that God accomplishes good things in my life when I allow my troubles and problems, and even the times of persecution or disappointment, to mold and shape me.
 
For in the furnace of affliction comes purification and patience. My former ways of relying on myself and in my own abilities to handle things gets removed from my life. And even in the midst of this develops the spiritual fruit of patience, as I must simply wait upon God to solve a certain problem or move in my behalf during a particular situation.
 
All said, while I still do not like my painful testings, I know that when I trust in God, not doubting, He works all these things for my good (Romans 8:28).
 
D. B.

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    David Berkowitz
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