Affliction

The word affliction means a condition of pain, suffering or distress.  As we close out the year many of us have experienced some type of affliction this past year. Rather, it was family problems, church issues, physical illness, or times of stress due to the way of life in which we live around.  The Lord’s word states in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “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 we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.”  When we look at the prophets and disciples of Jesus many of them were beheaded, cast into prison, stoned to death, mocked and persecuted for His names sake.  How much more will be required of us as the Lord tarries.  In 2 Thess. 3:13 we are told to not be weary in well doing. Let us “Stand and say that we are God’s children and receive strength from the Father for what lies ahead. Let us be busy about the Father’s business and touch lives for Christ.  Today, could be the day that the Lord calls us home, how many of us are allowing the afflictions we are facing to stop us from tending to the Father’s affairs?  In God’s word He tells us that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but that He delivers us out of every one in Psalm 34:17.  The Lord has brought us through every affliction and will continue to be faithful to us.  Let us REJOICE for we are children of the KING.