Message: God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pain.
Before I was afflicted
The way to a stronger faith usually lies along the rough path of sorrow. Only as faith is contested will faith be confirmed.We don’t know if our experiences are similar to all of God’s people, but the grace we receive in comfortable and easy times could lie on a penny. The good we receive from sorrow, grief and pain is incalculable. What do I not owe to the hammer and anvil, the fire and file? What do I not owe to the crucible and furnace, the bellows that flamed the coals and the hand that thrust me into the heat? Affliction is the best bit of furniture in my house. It is the best book in a minister’s library. We may wisely rejoice in various trials. Knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience ( James 1-2-2).And through this we are exceedingly enriched and our faith grows strong.
Taking a walk in the woods and staying quiet, you will not know if there is a partridge, or a pheasant or a rabbit in it. But make a noise or move and you will see the creatures. They rise or run. When affliction comes into your soul and makes a disturbance and breaks your peace, your grace rises. Faith comes out of hiding and love leaps from its secret place.
Have you ever notice how hard it is to find a bird’s nest in the summer, but that anyone can find a bird’s nest in the winter. With all the leaves gone it is easy to see. Often in prosperity, we fail to find our faith. Once adversity comes, the winter of our trial bares the branches, and we immediately see our faith. “Before I was affected I went astray,” said David, “but now I keep your word.” He found his faith was really there by keeping God’s Word in the time of affliction.
Prayer is needed in this time of turmoil in the world. Pray that our leaders have a Godly wisdom. We as children of God know that Our Heavenly Father is in control. Love one another without prejudice or judgment. Prayer is powerful and God wants to hear our voices. Remember as David did that by keeping God’s Word we will find our faith.