Affliction

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.  (Psalm 119:67)

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues.  (Psalm 119:71)

Affliction, be it sickness or another type of trial, can be our teacher. These are not things we desire, or even should desire, but God often uses them for spiritual good in our lives. They break us to the point we are humbled and able to turn to Jesus for help. In a prostrate position of spirit, we are ready to learn the statues of God.

This past week has been a painful reminder, for me, of this truth in scripture. Recently diagnosed with Colitis, I began taking medication that has wrecked how I feel and I do not use the word wrecked lightly. After all, I do have Colitis, which according to most people, can wreck how you feel. But, really, the medication makes me feel worse than my disease. I have been feeling similar to how I felt back in the day.  Back when I was a physical, mental, and emotional mess. You can read about that here and here.  It’s left me a little panicky at the thought of being there again.

And though I shudder at that thought, I know that being there in the past has helped form me more into the image of Christ. It broke me of selfishness and pride. It forced me to be dependent on God, to cling to him and his word. It taught me to trust and moved me along in the process of sanctification. It caused me to cherish Christ above all. “It is good for me that I was afflicted”.

Still, I am praying for good health. In 3 John we see John prays for his good friend Gaius’s health.  He writes…

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.  (3 John 2)

So, Brance and I are praying the same thing for me as well. Being a wife, a mom, a friend, a keeper of the house, a teacher, a servant of God is much easier when I feel good. But the amazing thing is this. I have been in the depths before and there is not a depth so low that God is not there. He promises in his word that if we draw near to him, he will draw near to us and to top it all, he will not give us more than we can bear. He knows what our breaking point is. I have felt, in the past, that I have been stretched to the point of shattering. But I didn’t. God was faithful to his word and to me. He will do the same for you too.

Have you experienced affliction as a teacher?  What did it teach you?

Update (4/29) : Praise God, my medicine has been adjusted and I am feeling much close to my normal, healthy self.  This is a huge answer to prayer!