Nobody gets excited at the thought of afflictions. Whether it is affliction from within or affliction from others. The thing about affliction is that it is an indicator of something. This indication does not always stem from wrong. In fact, there are many examples in scripture that affliction is used for good in many ways (2 Corinthians 12:7-9, 1 Peter 4:14).
God allows afflictions for your good, always. God cannot and does not think ill-ward towards us. The enemy on the other hand will try to use afflictions to destroy, enslave, and oppress you. Affliction is that delicate balance that can grow or hinder you. It is key that when affliction does come how do we respond? Are we wallowing in the pain or are we looking to God? We can say like how David explains it in Psalm 129:2: “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.” We can stand confidently with God in affliction for it shall not prevail against us.
I am not advocating that we should pursue after afflictions. What I mean is that we should not be surprised when we are faced with many difficulties. If Jesus Christ suffered in this world than as followers of Him, we should not expect differently. Anticipate afflictions, prevail against them for we are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ!
Heart Behind The Message
This segment is a personal reflection I want to share when I wrote this in my journal on 4/5/22:
Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; Yet they have not prevailed against me.-Psalm 129:2
“If I can just wrap this truth around my heart and mind. I would be more courageous and bold with my faith and walk with Jesus Christ. Why am I afraid of being afflicted in many different ways? Am I afraid of the pain it may bring or how people view me? Truth be told how someone see me today may be different the next day. Honestly, the only truth and thought that matters is what God thinks about me. Another truth is that Jesus Christ was persucted. He was afflicted with pain, hurt, and loss. Yet, He still prevailed because He overcame the enemy through His love and sacrifice. LORD you are always with me and that will always be enough”.
Joshua Fletcher
Eternal Imprint 