Affliction, like the iron-smith, shapes as it smites.
John Christian Bovee (1820-1904, American author, lawyer)
Romans 12:12-14
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (HCSB)
What is it to be patient in affliction? Affliction is a daily nagging and pulling at our strength, it is something that drains us emotionally and can also affect us physically if we let it. Benjamin Franklin advised us to “bear other people's afflictions, everyone has courage, and enough to spare.” But courage for a one time affliction is easy, for it is the ongoing daily afflictions that empty our reservoirs of strength.
John Tillotson, former Archbishop of Canterbury, left us this tidbit “Though all afflictions are evils in themselves, yet they are good for us, because they discover to us our disease and tend to our cure.” This puts a new light on what Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31, when he advised Peter of Satan’s intentions to “sift him like wheat” he did not take away from him the sifting, put prayed for him to strengthen “the brethren” after his testing.
So we see that in this life there will always be something that will be tugging at us, or trying to pull us down, and sometimes we may even fall. But through this process we will be refined and strengthened, and if you will not be angry or discouraged, you might even hear the same voice that spoke unto Peter many years ago. Jesus will say to you as well, turn now and strengthen the brethren…God’s Blessings.
John Christian Bovee (1820-1904, American author, lawyer)
Romans 12:12-14
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (HCSB)
What is it to be patient in affliction? Affliction is a daily nagging and pulling at our strength, it is something that drains us emotionally and can also affect us physically if we let it. Benjamin Franklin advised us to “bear other people's afflictions, everyone has courage, and enough to spare.” But courage for a one time affliction is easy, for it is the ongoing daily afflictions that empty our reservoirs of strength.
John Tillotson, former Archbishop of Canterbury, left us this tidbit “Though all afflictions are evils in themselves, yet they are good for us, because they discover to us our disease and tend to our cure.” This puts a new light on what Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31, when he advised Peter of Satan’s intentions to “sift him like wheat” he did not take away from him the sifting, put prayed for him to strengthen “the brethren” after his testing.
So we see that in this life there will always be something that will be tugging at us, or trying to pull us down, and sometimes we may even fall. But through this process we will be refined and strengthened, and if you will not be angry or discouraged, you might even hear the same voice that spoke unto Peter many years ago. Jesus will say to you as well, turn now and strengthen the brethren…God’s Blessings.
Pastor William
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