Consider 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18 (here @ BibleGateway). What do you see there as the purpose for affliction? Now consider Psalm 119:71 (here @ BibleGateway). Note the connection, affliction. On the one hand to draw us to glory, on the other to help us learn His Word.
All that we go through regardless of whether it is illness or persecution is in our lives intentionally. It is for the purpose of drawing us near to Him.
In 2 Corinthians 4, the context is that, as weak men, we are given the ministry of reconciliation. Weak and afflicted, so that people are drawn to Him, not us.
Again, not a popular message, but oh so true. Too often, in my ministry with Young Life, I unconsciously drew kids to myself instead of Jesus. Inevitably I would fail them, whereas Christ never did. Having realized that late in life, I endeavor now to make my weaknesses known, and point people to Jesus as my only hope. And it took affliction to get me to this point. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBrian thank you for sharing that. It takes incredible trust in Him to be vulnerable as you have there.
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