Affliction.
Today's Readings:
Geez, affliction. We all have a ton to whine about when it comes to affliction. Instead of recounting all of my issues, and I have a ton :), I thought I would share my favorite verse from a song we all know. Because I think we look at affliction or strife all wrong. Is it a curse or a blessing? Is it for our good or ill?
My health issues or vocal chord issues have made me into a better man, husband, father and broadcaster. All of my alcohol related issues are what lead me to the bottom of the barrel.
Yet, I contend if it wouldn't be for my "strife" I wouldn't have found real freedom. I wouldn't have turned my life over to God and gained his liberty.
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine!
Question:
How do you respond to affliction in your life?
Application:
Today, develop your battle plan for when afflictions come. Decide ahead of time how you will respond. Will you turn to God, family, friends, or all of the above? What does your battle plan look like? Is it prayer, scripture or church?
MLK Pledge - #5:
Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
Quote:
“If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair." - C. S. Lewis
“The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction." - Charles Spurgeon
“We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God" - Dwight L. Moody
Let's be people who support one another in the midst of their affliction.
Here is a hopeful story: Good Samaritan Gathers 100 Volunteers To Paint Elderly Man's Home In An Act Of Kindness
Have you fallen behind on the challenge? Catch up on what you missed here.