“God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when we can stand and take affliction quietly” ― Puritan Joseph Caryl
“Eminent” is a word we don’t often use.
em·i·nent
ˈemənənt/
adjective
- (of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession."one of the world's most eminent statisticians"
synonyms: illustrious, distinguished, renowned, esteemed, preeminent, notable, noteworthy, great, prestigious, important, influential, affluential, outstanding, noted, of note; More - used to emphasize the presence of a positive quality."the guitar's eminent suitability for recording studio work"
synonyms: obvious, clear, conspicuous, marked, singular, signal; More
Considering we (generally) try and escape our afflictions, the concept of afflictions being from and used for our good, by God, is pretty foreign, yet the scriptures back it up!
“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 KJV
“And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,” 2 Chronicles 33:12 KJV
af·flic·tion
əˈflikSH(ə)n/
noun
- something that causes pain or suffering."a crippling affliction of the nervous system"
synonyms: disorder, disease, malady, complaint, ailment, illness, indisposition, handicap;More - pain or suffering."poor people in great affliction"
synonyms: suffering, distress, pain, trouble, misery, wretchedness, hardship, misfortune, adversity, sorrow, torment, tribulation, woe "he bore his affliction with great dignity"
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
Hebrews 11:25 KJV
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalms 34:19 KJV
How He delivers is up to a Him. Removing it completely is one way; giving peace in the midst, is another! Both can bring God glory.
Jesus speaking:
“For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”
Mark 13:19-20 KJV
Father, as I continue my study on “affliction” please reveal Your Word! Open my eyes, open my ears and change my heart! Lord I repent for believing the lies of the enemy through the traditions of men, and Father let the words of my mouth only bring You glory as I walk out what You have set before me!
Even so - MARANATHA
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