GOOD AFFLICTION

"Where would we be without the trials?"

We know that all things work together for good. We've been told that many times, but when everything is going wrong, it's not what anyone wants to hear! Yet, when things are going wrong, it's exactly what we need to hear, to remind us of Who actually is in control.

We must remember what the Scriptures tell us about our carnal mind. The old man's way of thinking is determined to lead us away from God. Spiritually, we're in a very hostile environment. We have been taught, even in the churches, that God is there to make us happy. Indeed, Joy is a final fruit of this relationship, but to experience that fruit requires pruning, digging, and a lot of dung! (Fertilizer - Luke 13:8 KJV). The key to peace and happiness in this life, is trusting what God told us throughout the Word; we are told this world is fallen, broken, and toxic; but God has provided His Holy Spirit to abundantly weather it, performing His will. Then He will welcome us, as citizens, into the Kingdom for which we were originally created!

Our problems are indicators to keep us aware that we're not Home yet! Where would the prodigal son be had there not a terrible famine arisen in the land, just about the time his money ran out? Certainly, he wasn't happy to see the hard times, although soon it was very evident that God was using the difficulties to steer him back to safety.

May we remember, that light, fluffy, delicious cake had to be all mixed up first, and then pushed into a hot oven before it could be what the Baker intended, and only after the misery of the oven was the cake ready for its icing! Let us remember that all things work together for good.

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Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

~Romans 8:7-8 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28 KJV

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

~1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

~Psalm 119:75 KJV

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

~Luke 15:14 KJV

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

~Proverbs 3:5 KJV