Affliction is a state of great suffering, pain, misfortune or distress and it can appear in any form be it sickness, loss of something leading to significant pain just to mention a few.
According to the Scriptures, affliction can be multifaceted, ranging from emotional, physical or spiritual pain resulting from a fallen world(Gen 3), divine discipline(Prov 3 vs 1-12), sinful /unwise decisions(Ps 107 vs 17), display of God’s power(John 9), direct persecution(2 Timothy 3 vs 12), demonic attack (Job 2 vs 7) just to mention a few.
Whichever way it comes, as a believer, It acts as a tool for building endurance, for purifying faith, which often leads to deeper reliance on God. But as a nonbeliever, it is an opportunity to know and experience the wonders of God.
Out of the many examples in the Bible, we’ll be referencing 2 Kings 6 vs 14 (because of our study of Elisha) where the King of Syria (a nonbeliever) set out to capture Elisha and yet in Chapter 8, when afflicted with sickness, he was quick to seek God’s face. through Elisha. The King acted unwise in this case because he didn’t indicate repentance in his message to Elisha. Instead , it was just an inquiry to know whether he’ll make it or not – what an unwise decision! He valued Elisha’s counsel as a man of God, yet he didn’t value his God. Like the King, many people tend to treat God in this manner, they just want “to know what tomorrow holds” and not bother knowing the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
There are times our eyes are opened to see our mistakes and we are RESTORED back to Him and other times our eyes are not. May we not fall victim of the latter. Other times the affliction is not by our doing, meaning it’s no fault of ours, yet the event occurs. When such cases arise, we just need to remember that Jesus is our Shepherd(Ps 23) and we have that assurance and inner peace that he’s in it with us – we are victorious.
In conclusion, rather than seeking what tomorrow holds, why not seek the God of tomorrow Himself and BUILD a relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus (for those who have never had a relationship with God) have reverence for God, continually gain knowledge and understanding of Him and walk in His Wisdom in Jesus name 🙏.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal