Affliction - A Teacher of Grace

There is an interesting passage of Scripture found in Hebrews 12:15.  (It should be a guideline for all our worship services ... and my sermons.)  Hebrews 12:15 reads, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." 

I think, perhaps, that there are many times that we miss out on the grace of God because we fear, and fret, and fuss, and even fume over difficulties when they come our way … and the bitter root can grow in our lives and relationships.  Paul’s admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is instructive:  “… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We need to remember that suffering and/or affliction always tests us.  Someone once commented, "You never know what's inside until you see what spills out when you are shaken up."  Often, suffering and affliction will show us how self-centered and self-focused we are.  That is not how we usually see ourselves.  Generally, our attitude is that we are doing pretty well.  Suffering strips off that veneer and shows us our true colors.

Affliction does not teach you about yourself from a textbook; it teaches you from experience.  It will always show you what you love – either the God of all comfort or the comfort that can become your god.  (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)

The God of all comfort went willingly to Calvary's cross bearing all my sin, all my shame, all my sorrow, all my burdens and afflictions.  By grace through faith I have a Savior that not only has perfectly supplied my salvation but also can relate to everything I am going through. He is more than capable and ready to help in every time of need.  He is the star breather and the sin bearer.

May we grow to indeed “give thanks in all circumstances” lest we miss the grace of God, the God of all comfort, and the opportunity to comfort those in trouble.