SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1101

“Afflicted”

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; – 2 Corinthians 4:8

Afflicted means to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously. For example: To be afflicted with arthritis. Job was afflicted. Paul and Silas were afflicted as were the other Apostles and Disciples.

Jesus was afflicted.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted…- Isaiah 53:4, 7 

Why then are we surprised by our afflictions? Why do we question God’s love for us when He allows us to be afflicted? The Truth of His Word tells us to expect affliction in this life.

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…; I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” –  John 15:20; 16:33

We are afflicted for a variety of reasons. Sometimes we bring it upon ourselves as a natural consequence of our actions.

Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; …Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. – Psalm 107:17-20

Sometimes God allows affliction in order to get our attention – to turn us away from our stiff-necked stubborn rebellion.

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity; Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. – Job 36:15; Psalm 119:67, 71

Other times God allows affliction as part of His perfect plan for our good and for the good of others.

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. – John 9:1-3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Psalm 34:19; Romans 8:28

May you:  be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12 (NIV)