OUR LIGHT AFFLICTIONS.
They who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls. - Charles Spurgeon
The church's journey from turmoil to stability is a testament to its resilience. Initially, the church faced intense persecution and internal conflicts. However, through these challenges, the church developed a robust doctrine, unshakable faith and unwavering commitment. This transformation was unparalleled, shaping the church's identity and mission.
Jesus' words in John 14:27 underscore the distinction between worldly peace and divine peace. Worldly peace is fleeting, influenced by external circumstances. In contrast, Christ's peace transcends temporal concerns, offering inner tranquility amidst chaos.
Apostle Paul's epistles to early Christian communities demonstrate his dedication to supporting believers during hardship. Under Roman persecution, Paul's letters served as lifelines, offering Spiritual guidance and Emotional comfort to encourage amidst suffering, persecution and uncertainty.
Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians stands out and Apostle Paul's ministry and writings continue to inspire believers, demonstrating the power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
Building on this idea, I'll start from the second letter of Paul to Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Then in chapter four he went to talk about something interesting:
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 DRS
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For OUR LIGHT AFFLICTIONS are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
This made me ponder for a while, Apostle Paul's paradoxical description of affliction as LIGHT initially sparked curiosity, However, understanding the contrast of temporal struggles and eternal glory reveals profound wisdom and showed how we must clean or change the lens which we view afflictions as believers.
Regrettably, the scourge of Christian persecution persists globally, defying the fundamental human right to freedom of worship. A poignant page I follow, dedicated to honoring the memories of martyred believers worldwide, inspires heartfelt prayers and unwavering solidarity. The plight of underground churches in China, Afghanistan and Islamic territories, where public worship is strictly forbidden and brutally suppressed, is particularly distressing. In these regions, devoted followers of Christ face imprisonment, torture, and execution merely for their unwavering commitment to their faith. The Bible, a sacred scripture, is often banned, and believers resort to clandestine means to access its words of hope and solace.
Closer to home, Nigeria has witnessed alarming rates of Christian martyrdom in its northern regions, where extremist violence and intolerance have created a climate of fear and oppression. The staggering number of lives lost, families shattered and communities displaced is a grim reminder of the entrenched hostility toward Christianity.
Recently, Marc Guehi, a Christian footballer, faced warning for modifying a rainbow armband, which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with "I love Jesus." This gesture sparked controversy, as the armband's message conflicted with his Christian beliefs. Undeterred, Guehi responded with "Jesus loves you" in the next game, earning admiration from Christians worldwide.
In contrast, Sam Morsy and Noussair Mazraoui opted out of wearing the rainbow-themed accessories without repercussions. The Premier League remained silent, avoiding accusations of Islamophobia. This perceived disparity raises concerns about religious freedom and expression.
The incident highlights a growing concern among Christians about restrictions on expressing their faith. Many view this as a subtle agenda against Christianity, limiting their ability to uphold their values and beliefs. The Premier League's inconsistent application of inclusivity standards has sparked debate about double standards and bias.
Christians in various professional settings often face daunting challenges when adhering to their faith-based values. Refusal to compromise on these principles can lead to adverse consequences, including workplace harassment, demotions, social exclusion, career stagnation, legal repercussion or terminations. This environment fosters frustration, prompting introspection about potential accommodations. These pressures test Christians' resolve, prompting questions about balancing faith and profession.
HOW DO WE VIEW AFFLICTIONS AS BELIEVERS.
Prosperity may cause us to rise in the world, but affliction is needful to raise us above the world - John Newton.
The trials and tribulations experienced by Christians constitute a formidable assault by the forces of darkness, intent on undermining and ultimately destroying their faith in Jesus Christ. The principal aim of Satan's incessant attacks is to effect a spiritual severance, disconnecting believers from their vital relationship with Christ, and this malicious campaign will continue unabated.
Understanding Afflictions: A Biblical Perspective
1. Purification and Growth:
James 1:2-4 emphasizes that afflictions function as refining agents, testing faith and fostering perseverance. This transformative process cultivates spiritual maturity, enabling believers to realize their full potential in Christ.
2. Sharing in Christ's Sufferings:
Afflictions help Christians connect with Christ's pain and struggles (2 Corinthians 1:5-7). Apostle Paul wanted to deeply understand Christ and share His suffering (Philippians 3:10). This bond strengthens faith, demonstrating loyalty to the Cross that saved humanity.
3. Afflictions as Catalysts for Spiritual Maturation:
Romans 5:3-5 elucidates the transformative efficacy of afflictions, whereby suffering precipitates perseverance, character formation and hope. This teleological progression facilitates spiritual growth, humility and dependence on divine providence. The Psalmist in Psalm 119 corroborates this paradigm, illustrating affliction-induced repentance ...he was afflicted when went astray but now he obeys God's word, he confessed that it was good for him to be afflicted and at the end he could perceive God's decree as more precious than thousand silver or gold.
4. Divine Solace in times of affliction:
Afflictions serve as a poignant catalyst, reminding believers of God's omnipresent comfort and promises. In times of adversity, God's reassuring presence offers solace, instilling hope and fortitude, as exemplified in the Psalmist's declaration in Psalm 23. Through afflictions, believers experience the comforting presence of God, who faithfully navigates them through life's darkest moments. God's presence during afflictions demonstrates His compassionate care, cultivating hope and perseverance as believers rely on His promises. This divine solace sustains believers during adversity and fostering resilience.
5. God's Sovereignty Over Afflictions:
God's sovereignty extends over all afflictions, underscoring His omnipotent control over every circumstance. This fundamental doctrine assures believers that divine providence orchestrates all events, including adversity, to fulfill His purposes (Romans 8:28). God's sovereignty is characterized by infinite wisdom, limitless power and benevolent intentions. God's sovereignty neither precludes adversity nor implies divine authorship of evil. Rather, it ensures His purposeful will amidst suffering, guiding events toward ultimate good. This paradox is exemplified in Jesus' declaration during His arrest (Luke 22:52-53), where divine sovereignty and human agency intersect. Recognizing God's sovereignty amidst afflictions fosters resilience, trust and hope. Believers find comfort in knowing that their struggles serve a higher purpose, orchestrated by a loving and all-powerful God. This perspective transforms suffering into opportunities for spiritual growth, intimacy with God and eternal reward.
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO AFFLICTIONS?
1. Joy amidst suffering:
Amidst suffering, believers are called to experience inexplicable joy, as exemplified in the Apostle Paul's personal testimony in Philippians. Despite adversity, Paul persistently exhorted the Philippians to rejoice, echoing James' directive to count trials as occasions for joy (James 1:2-4). Their testimonies affirm that genuine faith can transcend suffering, yielding an unwavering sense of joy and hope.
2. Unity and fellowship:
The church serves as a sanctuary for fellowship and support during adversity, providing a haven for believers to find solace and encouragement. Continuous exhortations foster harmony, maintaining focus on Christ, our Redeemer. Additionally, the church plays a vital role in uplifting and restoring members navigating difficult circumstances. Galatians 6:2 says we bear one another's burdens.
3. Keep trusting God’s sovereignty:
Divine providence is the foundation of Christian confidence, enabling believers to trust God’s sovereign control and benevolent intentions amidst life’s uncertainties. Let’s maintain unwavering trust in God’s sovereign providence, even in the face of adversity.
