Dealing with Affliction

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 CSB)

Affliction comes in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors. It can be more emotional or mental at times, depending on the life situation people happen to be facing. The illness or death of a loved one can become an affliction that results in suffering. Conflict can be an affliction as well. A relationship that turns sour can create suffering and much frustration, particularly if there is little or nothing that can be done to resolve the conflict. Affliction can also take the form of overwhelming obstacles. When someone is trying to progress positively in life, only to encounter one obstacle after another and sometimes multiple obstacles at the same time, it can feel like trying to climb Mt. Everest barefooted. It can be very numbing.

Two responses are critical to this. First, the Lord our God knows in full and minute detail every affliction we experience. He walks with us through each one of them. He is “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” He sends His Holy Spirit to comfort us, encourage us, and enable us to endure. God knows all about affliction.

Second, God allows us to encounter affliction to achieve some end. We may not know what that end is, or we may not understand it even when we do know its end. An affliction may not make much sense to us at all. We often think that affliction is the result of something we have done, but in reality that is not always the case. It may be totally unrelated to something we have done. Whatever the cause, God can still “redeem” the affliction, and turn it into something positive. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” God may use an affliction or suffering to teach us an important life principle. He may use it to strengthen us, or to prepare us for subsequent events. He can certainly bring comfort to us in the midst of it, so that, in turn, we may also bring comfort to others who are going through some affliction.

Let us take note of some other words God gave to Paul, from Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” Approach your afflictions with patience. Literally, the word “patient” means “to continue under the load.” Comfort will come. And then you can pass it on to others.

Father, The afflictions we encounter in this life are often difficult to endure, but we know that You personally understand. We thank You for the comfort You bring to us during these times, and we ask You to help us to also help others and seek to give comfort to them as well. Amen.