Hallelujah! He is risen! This message brings a powerful word of hope and encouragement, reminding us that no matter what trials we face, God has a plan to deliver us. The current climate of the world can cause a lot of suffering and anguish, but there is a divine remedy for what ails us.
Understanding Affliction
Psalm 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” An affliction can be understood as suffering, trial, adversity, distress, pain, or sorrow. The “righteous” are those who have entered into a covenant with God through faith and strive to live according to His word. If this is you, this message is for you. It’s a message of hope, clarity, and encouragement, assuring you that you will make it through, because defeat is not an option.
It’s important to understand that going through difficulties is part of the journey for believers. While some may have been told that making a covenant with God means everything will be perfect, the Bible clearly states “many are the afflictions.” However, the good news is that God, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit will bring us out. We may not know when, where, or how, but we know for sure that deliverance will come.
In its original language, the word for affliction meant to bow down or to humble. This suggests that afflictions can serve to purify us, humble us, and ultimately position us for elevation. God is not trying to harm us; He is strategic and intentional. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Even in affliction, God is with us, working all things for our good.
Looking at life through a biblical perspective, rather than the world’s lens of despair, is key. The world might lead to a “woe is me” attitude, but God has a plan and a good expected end for us.
Learning Through Suffering
Even Christ learned obedience through the things He suffered. This doesn’t mean Christ was disobedient; rather, God allowed Jesus to be a template for us, showing us how to endure tests and trials obediently without sinning. Jesus provides the ultimate example of how to go through hardship.
Key Takeaways
- Afflictions are a part of life for the righteous.
- God is always with us during trials.
- Afflictions can purify, humble, and position us for elevation.
- God’s thoughts towards us are of peace and a good expected end.
- We should pray for grace to overcome and learn the lessons during affliction.
Biblical Examples of Deliverance
Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of individuals who faced afflictions but were delivered by God:
- The Three Hebrew Boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol. Despite the furnace being heated seven times hotter, they were thrown in fully clothed and emerged unharmed, with not even the smell of smoke on them. They trusted God for deliverance, and even if He hadn’t delivered them, they resolved to praise Him anyway. Their faithfulness led to their elevation and the king honoring their God.
- Job: Satan tested Job, afflicting him with boils, loss of children, livestock, and land. Job also endured a nagging wife and friends who accused him. Through these immense trials, Job contended with God, who then reminded him of His power and sovereignty. This humbling experience led Job to a deeper knowledge of God. After Job prayed for his friends, God restored him and gave him double for his troubles. Job’s affliction purified and elevated him.
- Paul: Originally Saul, he persecuted Christians. On the road to Damascus, a heavenly light blinded him, and he was directed to Ananias, who prayed for him, restoring his sight and changing his name to Paul. Paul became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. His affliction positioned him for great elevation and impact.
How to Face Affliction
When facing affliction, the Bible advises us to pray. James 5:13 says, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.” Instead of asking God to remove the trial, we should pray for the grace to overcome, to get through it, and to learn the lesson. We must not despise the process, as afflictions are a process that leads to purification, humility, and elevation.
No matter what you are going through, there is hope. God is in the midst, working things out for your good according to His will. He will deliver you out of every affliction He allows into your life. This is good news! Share this message with someone who needs encouragement to hang in there and know they are not alone. God loves you, and He will deliver you out of it all.