3 encouraging signs that our afflictions are maturing us
“Let a Christian be but two or three years without affliction, and he is almost good for nothing.” This pithy statement was made by John Flavel toward the end of The Mystery of Providence (1678). As we finish our discussion of his inspiring book, I want to leave you with three indicators that afflictions are growing you as a believer. 1. When troubles increase your love for God. Have you ever felt an ironic warmth toward the Father when you’re going through something difficult? It’s a strange, comforting feeling. Flavel: “We may conclude our afflictions to be sanctified, and [...]
When people let us down
People will disappoint us. It’s one of the quieter certainties of life, and the closer we work with someone, the more inevitable it becomes. What we do with that disappointment is another matter entirely. Paul wrote: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” (Colossians 3:13, NIV). The command is clear. Living it out is another matter. C.S. Lewis observed: “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.” As Christians, forgiving others is an obvious “good Christian thing.” What [...]
