ALL AFFLICTIONS ARE FROM GOD!

6th MARCH 2022

“Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it”? Amos 3:6

One of the most important theological questions confronting the church today, humanity in general, is why plagues afflict humanity or God’s people? My first response is that a sinful world inhabited by evil people often provide a combination of afflictions of all kinds. Nevertheless, God’s anointed people in the past also had endured great pain and suffering despite their godliness, e.g. Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Naomi, Hannah, David, Abigail, Hezekiah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, the Thessalonians, and more. 

The truth remains that if we do decide to be like David, Paul, or Jesus, then we must be prepared to be tested and tried like them! (REF: Philippians 3:10) Therefore, if He so desires, God can carry out a repair or purification of the entire world in a manner He deemed fit. We have no control over the methods God applies in that wise! But the fact remains that all forms of afflictions by whatever name or description, either at an individual level or National level, are from God. 

That is correct to the extent that although God is not the author of evil, circumstances in us and around us have caused affliction to befall us in one way or the other. How do I convince you regarding this point? First, take note that God is the first cause of all things. (REF: Prov 16:4; Rev 4:11; Dan 4:35;) It, therefore, follows that there is no chance, accident or coincidence involved in our afflictions; they are from God. It does not matter what kind of misfortune they are. That means events large or small, past or present, in or out of your control, are under His rule. 

If God cares so much for sparrows, He cares more for humans (Proverbs 16:33; Matthew 10:29-31). Only God can declare the end from the beginning. Therefore, God knows all the events in our lives in eternity. However, the good news is that in faithfulness, God will never send more than you can bear or escape (I Cor 10:13). Jesus made it very clear to us that the devil cannot even afflict a herd of pigs without the permission of God (Mat 8:31-32). Therefore, we mustn’t give Satan credit for what he cannot do without express permission from God. In any event, Satan usually acts within a specific boundary in anything he does. The case of Job remains a good lesson for God’s people (Job 1 – 2) 

The fact is that man would not declare the glories of God without affliction, and man would not evolve or mature in the spirit according to the grace of God upon his life. The grace of God strengthens us when we are weak, and our trust and faith in God are measured in times of affliction. 

How may we respond to distress, you may ask? Our response should be as Job did when Satan afflicted him with God’s permission. Job praised God despite His affliction. He never complained either (Job 1:21-22). Pain has several benefits. For instance, distress will change the mindset of society for good; Affliction will build us quickly into becoming an image Christ; Affliction will give you help for others in their tribulations. (2 Corinthians 1:4;1 Thessalonians 5:14) .

A trained response to affliction will prevent us from rebelling against God in times of distress. Instead, we become subservient to God and give Him thanks for what has happened. Thanksgiving is the will of God for us in periods of affliction!

Today, we are called upon to accept affliction as a divine tool to actualize God’s divine purpose in the life of His people. Therefore, be comforted knowing that affliction is from God. If that is the case, then God knows about our affliction, and he can limit the manifestation as He chooses or eradicate affliction from us if He desires. What is more? God gives the grace to overcome affliction! Therefore, if we all focus on God in times of affliction, we may have perfect peace in times of trouble. 

Therefore, I charge you today to turn every affliction in your life over to God. Also, in this period of global distress of wars, terrorism and COVID – 19, let us thank God and pray for his protection and grace upon the world. During this period, the healing we require will come to us in thanksgiving to God.

PRAYERS

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, make us strong this day in all areas of our weaknesses as you fulfil your plans and purpose in our lives. We declare that you are a covenant-keeping God, and your mercy endures forever. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Job 33:12-13; Eph 1:11; Matt 10:29-31