Patient in Affliction

Be patient in affliction. Romans 12:12

Affliction can draw us closer to Christ or drive us away from Christ. It can be a tool of the Lord's to build our trust in Him or it can be a wrecking ball of belief in His goodness. Whether a heavy or light malady, we accept disruptions as either a blessing or a curse. Sometimes pain is produced in circumstances totally out of our control, other times our unwise decisions create cruel consequences. Either way God uses our afflictions for His glory and brings us sweet comfort.

Those who fight against affliction exhaust their energy, but those who embrace difficulties endure. To embrace difficulty does not mean we like pain or enjoy suffering, but it does mean we trust God to work out a good outcome for His glory. He is full of mercy and compassion in the middle of physical upheaval and emotional exhaustion. Thus, we are patient to pray for God’s grace to give us the will to wait on Him and to rest in Him. Prayer perseveres.

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11

What are you facing that has your face focused on your Heavenly Father? If disease, make the most of conventional medicine and natural remedies, but mostly go to the Great Physician Jesus for care, comfort and healing. If divorce, lean into the Lord for Him to reconcile you to Himself and for you to be reconciled to severed relationships. If death of a dream or dear one, pause to grieve and get to know yourself and God at a deeper level. Hard times require a mature patience.

Above all, follow the steps of Jesus as He dealt with detrimental circumstances. He wept, yes, but He resolved “Thy will be done,” not “My will be done.” He cried out in the night but eventually experienced the day break of His resurrection. In His most intense time of pain He forgave ignorant acts and invited a repentant sinner to be with Him in paradise. Jesus was patient in affliction so He could save us and offer us a remedy for our pain, His enduring grace!

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow my patience in affliction, so I can be a blessing to those around me for Jesus' sake!

Related Readings: Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; Hebrews 10:32, 36; Philippians 1:29; James 1:3-4

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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.