Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:27 am Post subject: Are All Afflictions for God's Glory?
Are All Afflictions for God's Glory?
Sometimes we are told that our afflictions, be they be diseases, handicaps, tribulations, etc., that beseech us through NO fault of ours (e.g. being born handicapped, blind, epileptic, etc., are SO God's glory may be revealed,is this always true?
We are not talking about afflictions and tribulations that we brought upon ourselves through disobedience or any other means, but those we were born with or born into.
If you are fortunate to receive a life-changing miracle that eliminates that affliction or tribulation, (such as the blind gaining sight, the deaf hearing, the crippled walking, the dumb speaking; or simply easier ones such as being delivered from poverty, from spiritual oppression, the barren giving birth, the diseased or gravely ill being healed, etc.), then one can truly say that 'although one does not know why one was the 'chosen one' for the revelation of God's glory, at least one has eventually overcome.'
On the flip side, for those who suffer the afflictions and tribulations (equally through no fault of theirs), until their dying day, are they not worthy of God's glory? And were they just destined to suffer either benignly or gravely?
Sorry I haven't replied to your teasers earlier. It really is because they are not merely thought provoking but do go to the core of our faith and our purpose in this life time.
Life and all it entails; in the things we see, in what we perceive and what we remain totally ignorant of, lends itself to the supposition that not one of the responses you receive will be definitive. However, I will say that the shifting shapes and patterns of various responses represent a kaleidoscopic view that our individual experiences generate.
Therefore my response is predicated on the following:
With regard to logicality, my reference point is absolute ignorance. I donąt have a logical answer to those questions.
However with regard to faith, my reference point is that my "ORIGIN" is heaven, and heaven is my "HOME".
That this life is a bridge between my ORIGIN and my HOME, on the basis that Jesus is my guide and the Holy Spirit my light. Without this, I cannot be sure of arriving at HOME.
From my few or many experiences (depending on your perspective) on this bridge called life, I have come to this one conclusion regarding all matters relating to trials, tribulations, afflictions, fallings and whatever differentiates this present existence from the perfection that is heaven - and it is a prayer that I pray often
"God do with me as you please, because I came from you and I am yours to do with as you wish. This one thing I ask, at the end of it all HELP ME get back HOME to you".
I did not arrive at this by sudden insight, but it is the distillation of my walk with GOD, because there have been many times in my life where it appeared GOD had gone on a short holiday, and my prayers did not meet Him HOME. At the end of every such period, regardless of my feelings or opinions or for that matter scripture passages regarding the situation, what has always got back to me is that He is God. Sovereign, Absolute, Awesome and Perfect in ALL His ways.
This life is nothing, just a bridge. I do not care if I cross the bridge on foot, or with no feet, or if I am driven or I am carried, please GOD HELP me make sure that the direction is HOME.
How does this affect the way I live my life and react to trials and tribulations you ask? Imperfectly is the short answer. I simply ask for grace not to let go of Him, and He in His infinite mercy not to let go of me. To be honest this simplistic view does not always work in all situations, but rather serves as a reference point for me when the s***t really hits the fan.
We no fit talk am finish in one day, not even in one life time. Let me rest my case for now.
Thank you for your candid response. Believe me sometimes I feel so dislodged in this world, that I wonder why I was put here to begin with. Imperfection is one thing most of us probably feel, but most are not candid enough to admit. Some of us depending on the level of trials, tribulations, afflictions, etc., we experience, can only continue to plead with God and beg Him for His grace to make it through this world without giving up.
Cxsm
12th June '07
_________________ May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm
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