Afflicted

Sometimes, the Lord speaks to me by showing me something several times. Over the past few days, I’ve been seeing this same scripture and had a major revelation:

Psalm 119:71 NKJV

It is good for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.

I just happened to be scrolling and saw someone talking about it. It was a scripture I had not heard so I looked it up to confirm it, and I was floored. At that very moment, the Lord brought to my memory several other scriptures that say something similar. 

James 1:2-3 NKJV

 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Lord was showing me that the moments of affliction and trial I had felt recently weren’t in vain because each situation brought me closer to Christ by forcing me to totally and completely rely on Him and His Word. I not only learned His statutes but it brought a period of reflection of my own character. Suddenly, it didn’t feel like life was unfairly happening to me, but instead like I was being trained for greater. 

Saints, when you feel afflicted, or frankly are having a pity party for yourself, remember that the Bible does not promise us ease. In fact, it tells us that this walk is often difficult. However, if we rely on God and godly character, affliction brings us closer to holiness and sanctification. 

Be blessed!