Topical Bible: Afflictions: God Determines the Continuance of

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In the biblical narrative, afflictions are often portrayed as instruments under the sovereign control of God, serving His divine purposes. The Scriptures affirm that God not only allows afflictions but also determines their duration and intensity, using them to accomplish His will in the lives of individuals and nations.

Divine Sovereignty Over Afflictions

The Bible consistently presents God as sovereign over all creation, including the trials and tribulations that befall humanity. In the book of Job, we see a profound example of this sovereignty. Job, a righteous man, endures severe afflictions, yet it is clear that these trials occur within the parameters set by God. Job 1:12 states, "The LORD said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.'" This passage illustrates that even Satan's actions are subject to God's authority and limitations.

Purposeful Afflictions

Afflictions are often depicted as serving a greater purpose in God's plan. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to this in 2 Corinthians 4:17 : "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." Here, Paul acknowledges that afflictions are temporary and purposeful, contributing to the believer's eternal reward and spiritual growth.

God's Timing and Relief

The duration of afflictions is also under God's control. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 , it is written, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse underscores the belief that God has appointed times for every event, including periods of suffering. The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, as seen in Psalm 30:5 : "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning." This passage reassures believers that afflictions are temporary and that relief will come according to God's perfect timing.

Discipline and Correction

Afflictions can also serve as a form of divine discipline. Hebrews 12:6-7 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" This passage highlights that God uses afflictions to correct and refine His children, demonstrating His love and commitment to their spiritual maturity.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God determining the continuance of afflictions. The Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness is one such instance, where their prolonged hardship was a result of their disobedience and served as a period of testing and preparation (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Similarly, the Babylonian exile was a divinely ordained period of affliction meant to bring about repentance and restoration (Jeremiah 29:10).

Trust in God's Sovereignty

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty over their afflictions. Romans 8:28 offers reassurance: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse affirms that God orchestrates every aspect of life, including afflictions, for the ultimate good of His people.

In summary, the Bible presents afflictions as being under the sovereign control of God, who determines their continuance for His divine purposes. Whether as a means of discipline, spiritual growth, or fulfillment of His plans, afflictions are temporary and purposeful, with their duration and relief resting in the hands of a loving and sovereign God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 15:13,14
And he said to Abram, Know of a surety that your seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
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Numbers 14:33
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your prostitutions, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness.
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Isaiah 10:25
For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and my anger in their destruction.
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Jeremiah 29:10
For thus said the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
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Library

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... to them by speaking of these afflictions in unusual ... Where one has an unquestioning
confidence that God is his ... Love is the test that determines the reality of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... within us, and which distinguishes and determines how these ... his trouble; and, after
enduring his afflictions to satiety ... For God deals with souls not merely with ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... have answered those questions then; God has answered ... Seabury"not that this order
determines the actual ... place was saddened by painful domestic afflictions. ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... him that is excellent in working; he determines the end ... their rise, to wit, the eternity
of God in general ... be they either good or bad, of continuance or otherwise ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... that he could bear these small afflictions with patience ... my heart, both with their
number, continuance, and fiery ... else; and also concluded, that God had, in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm