byAfflictions, persecution, and problems are similar words that typically indicate something has gone wrong. In a world filled with so many problems, almost everyone has at least one thing in their lives that they don’t like. But what if I told you that, in the midst of all troubles and issues, God has a way of using each of them to teach at least one biblical lesson to His children who face such problems? That is what scripture calls the ingrafted words of God, capable of saving a soul from being crushed (see James 1:21). In today’s edition of Bible questions, I want to highlight the question, “How does God use afflictions to teach patience?” Let’s delve deeper.
Until every place in the whole universe is filled with Christ, issues will continue, and you will have to brace yourself to endure them when any of them happen to you.
Antichristic systems
In 1 John 5:19, the Bible says that the world lies in wickedness. That means the systems of the world are built and new ones are still being built in a way that doesn’t exalt Christ. So, if you realise, although several people experience afflictions, believers in Christ who are usually bold in making their faith known face more persecution. If you keep seeing that, don’t be surprised because that’s the norm. Are we called to change this terrain? Yes, but gradually. For example, financial systems in the church can be drastically improved when believers set up their own businesses, and those who work in corporate institutions also rise higher in the organisational chart to wield more power. Until every place in the whole universe is filled with Christ, issues will continue, and you will have to brace yourself to endure them when any of them happen to you.
Be patient in affliction.
The Bible says in Romans 12:12 (NIV) that,
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
It may seem like a simple scripture, but it carries immense weight. When you trust something or somebody to do something for you, and things mess up, that is when your patience will be subjected to a test. Why? Because things may not go as fast as you want them to, and you’ll be forced to go and pray as you wear the cloak of endurance. But unfortunately, many people, including those who profess to be Christians, don’t carry this trait. They rush into almost everything they do, pressure and bribe others to negatively influence how things are done. And God, who is all-wise, can allow certain things to happen in order to force Romans 12:12 to manifest in some of His children’s lives.
Take life easy
Life is easy until you become too serious about things you don’t need to. When you don’t learn to manage your expectations with people and how things are done, you’ll set yourself up for so many disappointments and heartache that are preventable. Take what I am telling you right now very seriously, because one day, it’ll manifest itself in your life.
If God has promised you something, don’t go ahead of Him and take matters into your hands. Be patient and do as much as you can, taking one day at a time. No matter how long that vision lingers, it shall come to pass. Be encouraged!
