Why Affliction Comes
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorizedThe following quote by Henry Ward Beecher, comes from a delightful website entitled, “Living Life Fully.” The purpose of the site is dedicated to presenting the wisdom that’s specifically focused on getting the most out of life and being happy. It’s based on the belief that if we can learn from those who have come before us and have shared their knowledge, our lives can be richer, more exciting, and fuller:
“Affliction comes to us not to make us sad, but sober; not to make us sorry, but wise; not to make us despondent, but by its darkness to refresh us, as the night refreshes day; not to impoverish, but to enrich us, as the plough enriches the field; to multiply our joy, as the seed, by planting, is multiplied a thousand-fold” (see source – scroll down page).
The inspired writers of the New Testament wrote about similar benefits of affliction as Mr. Beecher does in the above quote:
James writes the following about our trials:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience [perseverance]. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Peter writes:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved [distressed] by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3-7).
Paul writes:
“For our light affliction [sufferings – cf. 2 Corinthians 4:8-16; Romans 8:18], which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Our afflictions and trials here on earth are nothing compared to our reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14). Let us be encouraged by the above Scriptures and quote.