It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.(Psalms 119:71 NIV)
Why is it good to be afflicted? We can cite several reasons. Affliction keeps us on our toes. It wakes us up from a period of a long sleep in performing our duties to God. Affliction makes us stronger, wiser and prepared for another challenge in life. It serves as our teacher in the school of hard knocks. God reveals Himself when we are afflicted. He draws us to Himself for protection, guidance and provision. Affliction precedes blessings. Laughter is sweeter after tears and sorrows. Also, our attitude towards affliction shows our character. Because of our faith, we rejoice on our affliction for we know that we are being perfected as children of God. In our affliction God does mighty things that He may be glorified. Moreover, we come out as victors not on our own but through God who strengthens us. Thus, for us, affliction is good. It is bad only if we perceive it negatively, that is, if we see affliction without faith, hope and love. Saint Paul had a thorn in the flesh and he thanked God for giving it to Him. For him, it is a blessing not a curse. So how do you see it, a curse or a blessing?
