The Transformative Power of Affliction: Learning God's Word Through Trials

Affliction: A Teacher in God's Classroom

Have you ever wondered why we go through afflictions and trials in life? Why does God allow us to experience pain and suffering? The answer lies in the transformative power of affliction. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist declares, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word." This verse reveals that God uses affliction as a tool to teach us His word and bring us back into alignment with His will. In this article, we will explore the ways in which affliction helps us to learn and obey God's word.

1. Affliction Awakens Our Seriousness

Life can often be filled with glibness and superficiality. We can easily become caught up in the trivialities of daily life, losing sight of the seriousness of God's word. However, affliction has a way of shaking us out of our complacency and making us more serious about our relationship with God. It reminds us of the eternal weight of His word and the importance of aligning our lives with His truth.

2. Affliction Teaches Reliance on God

When everything is going well and we have all our worldly props in place, it is easy to rely on ourselves and our own abilities. But affliction has a way of knocking those props out from under us, leaving us with no choice but to rely on God. In this state of desperation and dependence, we are brought into closer alignment with the aim of God's word – to trust in Him completely. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 15:4, "Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Affliction reminds us that our hope is not in the things of this world, but in God alone.

3. Affliction Drives Us to Search the Scriptures

When affliction strikes, we are often left feeling lost and helpless. In these moments of desperation, we turn to the Scriptures for guidance and comfort. We search the pages of God's word with a newfound desperation, seeking His wisdom and promises to sustain us. As Jeremiah 29:13 assures us, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Affliction drives us to seek God with our whole heart, leading us to a deeper understanding and obedience to His word.

4. Affliction Unites Us with Christ

One of the greatest privileges we have as believers is the opportunity to fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. When we experience affliction, we are brought into a closer partnership with our Savior. We begin to see the world through His eyes and understand His heart for the broken and hurting. The apostle Paul expresses this longing in Philippians 3:10, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Affliction allows us to share in the sufferings of Christ and grow in our likeness to Him.

5. Affliction Purifies Our Hearts

In the midst of affliction, our fleshly desires and distractions are often stripped away, leaving us in a more spiritual frame of mind. The pain and suffering we experience serve to mortify our sinful desires and draw us closer to God. As 1 Peter 4:1 reminds us, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." Affliction has a profound effect on our hearts, purifying us and making us more receptive to the spiritual truths found in God's word.

In conclusion, affliction serves as a powerful teacher in God's classroom. It awakens our seriousness, teaches us reliance on God, drives us to search the Scriptures, unites us with Christ, and purifies our hearts. Through the trials and tribulations we face, God is molding us into the image of His Son and equipping us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of affliction, remember that God is using it to draw you closer to Himself and to teach you His word. Embrace the lessons He has for you and trust in His faithfulness.