Psalms 119:71-72 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
If there is anything that we as Christian can agree on, it is that the majority of us, if not all of us, do not enjoy suffering afflictions. Yet, there is great value in suffering for the cause of Christ. I was reminded just recently that we are called to give thanks "in" everything; not because it was a mere suggestion, but because it is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That means that we are to be thankful, not just during good times, or after a trial has passed, but instead be thankful right in the midst of whatever the trial is. Today's verses are a great reminder that all the afflictions that God allows us to suffer are more profitable than all the riches this world has to offer. What we gain from walking with Jesus, while He helps us endure suffering, cannot be purchased with any amount of this world's wealth. When we, or someone we love, suffer from an illness that has the potential to take our life, money has no value. When we are on our deathbed, no amount of wealth will change that. However, when afflictions draw us closer to the Lord, teach us how to trust God, and forever change who we are, as a result of being drawn nearer to Jesus, what can be more valuable? When we are told that the illness we, or a loved one, suffers is terminal, and the grave is closer than we thought or expected, what can be more valuable than to know, with all certainty, that when we leave this earth we will be with Jesus? What amount of riches can be more valuable than that? Silver and gold can lose value, be stolen, and even lost. The intimacy and spiritual growth that comes from being afflicted cannot be taken from us. The salvation we have in Jesus cannot be taken from us, nor forfeited; for we are forever sealed by the Holy Spirit, and no one can snatch us out of the hands of Jesus or our Heavenly Father, who are one. Knowing this, I can say with everlasting confidence that there is nothing of greater value than the afflictions that drive us to our knees, and into the Word of God; resulting in a closer and more intimate relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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