Afflictions, while often perceived as trials or sufferings, hold a significant place in the spiritual journey of believers, serving as instruments that lead to the confession of sin and spiritual growth. The Bible provides numerous instances where afflictions are used by God to bring His people to a place of repentance and deeper reliance on Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures affirm that God uses afflictions to discipline and refine His people. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This discipline, though painful, is intended for our good, leading us to recognize our sins and turn back to God. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist acknowledges, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." Here, affliction serves as a corrective measure, steering the believer back to obedience and faithfulness.

Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions are not arbitrary but are purposeful in the divine economy. They serve to humble us, stripping away self-reliance and pride, and bringing us to a place of humility where we can acknowledge our need for God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent conceit. Through this affliction, Paul learns to rely on God's strength rather than his own, declaring, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Confession and Repentance

The process of confession and repentance is often catalyzed by affliction. In the account of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), it is the son's destitution and suffering that lead him to recognize his sin and return to his father, confessing, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you" (Luke 15:18). Similarly, King David, after being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba, experiences deep remorse and confesses his sin to God, as recorded in Psalm 51.

Spiritual Growth and Restoration

Afflictions, when met with a heart of repentance, lead to spiritual growth and restoration. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This perseverance, in turn, leads to maturity and completeness in Christ. The refining process of affliction purifies the believer, as described in Malachi 3:3, where God is likened to a refiner and purifier of silver.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who were led to confession through affliction. Job, though initially unaware of any wrongdoing, ultimately confesses his limited understanding of God's purposes (Job 42:1-6). Jonah, in the belly of the great fish, cries out to God in repentance (Jonah 2:1-9). Each of these accounts demonstrates how affliction can lead to a deeper awareness of sin and a renewed commitment to God.

Conclusion

Afflictions, though challenging, are a vital part of the believer's journey, used by God to bring about confession, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through these trials, believers are drawn closer to God, experiencing His grace and mercy in profound ways.Numbers 21:7
Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against you; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 32:5
I acknowledge my sin to you, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:3,5
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The True Gnostic is Beneficent, Continent, and Despises Worldly ...
... thee; think, and I will do." If beneficial, he will ... Whence the gift is not made for
the sake of ... use such freedom of speech, will any longer endure afflictions. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xii the true gnostic is.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... Now, although it is due to the beneficial action of ... his trouble; and, after enduring
his afflictions to satiety ... For He made the rational nature, which He formed ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

The Education of the World.
... A young preacher will preach upon afflictions much more often ... If we have made mistakes,
careful study may teach ... in duration, in power, and in beneficial results ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... and approve that alone which may be made to harmonize ... only does no harm, but is even
beneficial to the ... anger and desire; for pleasure is the leading motive of ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

part ii
... are refreshed by Him, and are made resplendent by ... able to say: "Who shall separate
us from the ... connected with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... The cause from whence these afflictions arise is known to be,. ... This it was that made
Paul cry out, 'O wretched man ... 2. Sin, by its working in us, doth not only ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

part i
... "Thy faith hath made thee whole ... Men who are leading a spiritual life see by the eyes
of their ... how the Devil lays his snares, how the angels guide us, and how ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What should we learn from Psalm 119? | GotQuestions.org

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