We all at one time or anthor (at least) find ourelves suffering some sort of affliction. It may be transitory, it may be permanent; it may be small, it may be great, but we all will indeed suffer in this world.
So what's the point? Why does God allow us to suffer? Is there a good use of afflictions in which we can find comfort and encouragement and strength.
Thomas Boston in his work, A Crook in the Lot, give us a list of seven ways in which we and God can use afflcitions for good. Submitting to God, trusting in Christ and depending upon the Holy Spirit afflictions can bring blessings.
Below you will find a paraphrased list of the uses Boston suggests. I hope to address each of them in a practicle and personal manner in this new series of blogs.
Uses of Afflictions
- The trial of one's state, whether one is in the state of grace of not.
- Excitation to duty, weaning one from this world, and prompting him to look after the happiness of the other world.
- Conviction of sin.
- Correction and punishment for sin.
- Preventing sin.
- Discovery of latenet corruption whether in saints of sinners.
- The exercise of grace in the chidren of God
I will attempt to expand and illustrate these points in the coming weeks. They are not easy points and certainly they are not comfortable but I believe that we need to work hard at understanding the uses of affliction in order to be betterr able not only to endure but to encourage.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB
No temptation ((trial)) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted ((tried)) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation ((trial)) will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
May God bless my efforts and yours as we look at the uses of afflictions to the glory of God.
Please don;t hesitate to email me questions or comments:
sheepdog.ms@gmail.com
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