Topical Bible: Afflictions Made Beneficial in Leading Us to Seek God in Prayer

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Afflictions, though often perceived as burdensome and undesirable, serve a profound purpose in the spiritual journey of believers. Throughout Scripture, afflictions are depicted as instruments that draw individuals closer to God, prompting them to seek His presence and guidance through prayer. This entry explores the biblical perspective on how afflictions can be beneficial in leading us to seek God in prayer.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently illustrates that afflictions can act as catalysts for spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. In the Old Testament, the psalmist acknowledges the role of afflictions in turning his heart towards God: "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word" (Psalm 119:67). This verse highlights the transformative power of afflictions, redirecting the believer's focus from worldly distractions to divine truths.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the benefits of suffering. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul recounts his own experience with a "thorn in the flesh," which he describes as a means to rely more fully on God's grace: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" . Here, affliction becomes a conduit for experiencing God's strength and sufficiency.

Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions serve several purposes in the life of a believer, particularly in fostering a deeper prayer life:

1. Dependence on God: Afflictions remind believers of their limitations and the necessity of relying on God's strength and wisdom. In times of trouble, prayer becomes a lifeline, drawing the afflicted closer to the divine source of comfort and guidance.

2. Refinement of Faith: Just as gold is refined by fire, afflictions purify and strengthen faith. 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" . Through prayer, believers can seek God's help in enduring and growing through these trials.

3. Alignment with God's Will: Afflictions often lead believers to seek God's will more earnestly. In prayer, they find clarity and direction, aligning their desires with God's purposes. Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" .

4. Cultivation of Humility: Afflictions can humble the proud heart, making it more receptive to God's voice. Through prayer, believers acknowledge their need for God's intervention and guidance, fostering a spirit of humility and submission.

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who turned to God in prayer during times of affliction:

· Job: Despite intense suffering, Job's afflictions led him to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom. His dialogues with God, recorded in the Book of Job, reflect a profound engagement with the divine amidst his trials.

· Hannah: In her distress over barrenness, Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord in prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Her affliction drove her to seek God's intervention, resulting in the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history.

· David: Throughout the Psalms, David frequently turns to God in prayer during times of distress. His psalms of lament and supplication reveal a heart that seeks refuge and strength in God amid adversity.

Conclusion

Afflictions, while challenging, are divinely purposed to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God through prayer. By embracing these trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, believers can experience the transformative power of God's presence and grace in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 4:3
And the children of Israel cried to the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.
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Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn you me, and I shall be turned; for you are the LORD my God.
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Lamentations 2:17-19
The LORD has done that which he had devised; he has fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he has thrown down, and has not pitied: and he has caused your enemy to rejoice over you, he has set up the horn of your adversaries.
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Hosea 5:14,15
For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.
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Jonah 2:1
Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,
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Library

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... They felt the beneficial effects of suffering on ... these very difficulties, dangers,
and afflictions, against which ... I believe this surrender to be made, when any ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... wherever possible and where the laws are beneficial. ... to love to himself is: God has
made worldly wisdom ... henceforth to be loved amid crosses and afflictions. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... him by the conference in his afflictions, and for ... the improvement of a science so
beneficial to the ... Several efforts, indeed, have been made, by individuals, to ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... must be confined to a few leading topics, in ... the Holy Ghost, in these respects, has
made us overseers. ... that no one may either misunderstand or misrepresent us. ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... The cause from whence these afflictions arise is known to be,. ... in his fancy or
imagination, but one made so of ... it into a commandment, and it showeth us, (1.) in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.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

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... not murmurers [4405] like them, in their afflictions in the ... the second of smaller
consequence: the one leading to our ... For the one made a gain from the famine ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part ii
... are refreshed by Him, and are made resplendent by ... is connected with great privations
and afflictions; and, therefore ... saints have been preserved to us in their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... Men who are leading a spiritual life see by the eyes ... Without Him was not anything
made that was made." [53 ... with the little, or with that which God has given us? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm