“The remnant…are in great affliction and reproach.” Nehemiah 1:3
Do you ever experience some days of affliction and reproach? Some folks are of the opinion that God desires that all of His children should always be found healthy, wealthy, and wise. God destroys that myth when He clearly tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you shall have tribulation,” and then He quickly adds, “BUT be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
We serve the same God that can calm any storm we face with a simple “Peace, be still.” I like the bumper sticker that says, “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.”
Why do we experience storms in our lives? Who needs affliction and tribulation?
Storms can:
1. Prevent pride (11 Cor. 12:7-10) Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh which kept him humble and dependant upon the Lord.
2. Perfect us (James 1:3 and Romans 5:3) The trying of our faith teaches us patience and reliance upon our Savior.
3. Prove God’s power (1 Peter 5:10) After we have suffered for a while, He strengthens and settles us.
Nehemiah heard of the distress and problems facing God’s people. He wept and mourned and fasted and prayed and trusted in the Lord for deliverance.
Thanks for this Rich!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of Psalm 37 where David contrasts the wicked and the righteous. Even if we don't feel persecuted per say, it is very easy to see the blessings others (even the unconvinced) recieve and be discouraged! David calls us to Hope in the Lord, keep His way, and do not fret!
-Russ
Your description of God's work through affliction is so true. At age 40 I began dealing with chronic back pain. At first I was bitter about it. Thankfully God was patient with me and has worked to use it to work on the areas you describe: humility, patience, and reliance on Him. And His power is also at work in that he strengthens me to persevere in spite of the pain.
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