Encouragement

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Oh that we could live a calm, consistently peaceful and soul-warming life. The ups-n-downs in our lives is pretty normal (we all have them), and some have deeper 'downs' than others, while some have higher 'ups' than others. Our own individual ups-n-downs are ours though, so don't get caught up matching yours to those around you. In the Lord, we know 'all things work together...', so there's comfort in that, and 2 Corinthians 4:17 also reminds us; "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory", which is important to dissect. This verse states '...our light affliction...", which speaks to the smaller trails and tests in our lives.

Still, these 'woes' we face actually exercise our faith and trust, and bolster our hope in the Lord. But, what do we do with those 'nagging' afflictions; those life-long struggles (impediments, physical ailments, emotional duress, even cultural pressures)? These don't seem to fit appropriately in the 'light afflictions' category, and since they seem to be perpetual in our lives, it's a perfect time/place to 'go to school' about the matter.

Those lighter afflictions may discourage you for a short time, but that victory comes and it revitalizes your soul, invigorates your spirit. Those lingering struggles, however, just weigh you down and sometimes taunt you that;

» You might not have faith
» The Lord doesn't actually hear you or care
» This 'bigger affliction' is the result of sin, disobedience, or as the world likes to attribute it, Karma

Notice though, that Isaiah 30:20-21 tells us; "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: (21) And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

So?
Now, there is quite a bit of admonishment and encouragement there! To begin with, Isaiah is acknowledging that the Lord 'did' give you this affliction! Seems contrary to the 'loving God' we hear so much about, but the rest of that passage goes on to describe what 'your' role is with that affliction... and how God Almighty will 'lead you' through it; every step. In fact, to 'see your teachers' is pointing out that when you recognize that God IS working in your life, you no longer whine, moan, and complain about this 'thing'. Rather, you open your heart and mind to His lesson for you, His purpose for you, and His dying love for you... and turn that Angst to Thanks, and live a grateful life in the Lord! Therein, the affliction no longer weighs on your soul with sorrow, disappointment, and fear.


G.W. Bill Elliott, Jr. MDiv
VocalBillity Devotionals - http://vocalbillity.blogspot.com

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