The afflictions that heal !

I have read many biographies of missionaries, from ancient history to our times. One would think that these precious people, so used by God, would constantly experience stories of love, power and joy. This is not the case. Their stories are marked by suffering, discouragement and even treachery - stories that are not made of adventures, but tears.

If we are sincere in our desire to know the forces that produce holiness, we must go to the garden of Gethsemane, to Jesus, our example. All the forces that were opposed to Job were there also in Gethsemane, in rank against Christ. The same fierce tempter who sought the heart of David on the roof sought Jesus on the top of the temple to destroy it. And all the forces of torment that harassed Peter's soul were also at Gethsemane, fighting our Savior.

Every true man or woman of God will know his cup of suffering. The entire ministry of Jesus was to do the will of His Father. Indeed, for three years, all that He did pointed toward Calvary. Of course, in Gethsemane he actually shouted : "O God, if it is possible, deliver me from this burden. It is too heavy for me. I would rather not confront him."

I do not know what may be your cup of suffering. Some Christians have prayed for years to be delivered from theirs. Do not get me wrong, I believe in healing. But I also believe in the afflictions that heal. David testified : "Before I was afflicted, I wandered ; but now I keep your word" (Psalms 119: 67 Darby version).

We can not afford to think that all sufferings and trials are attacks of the devil. Nor that these trials mean that we have sins in our lives and that God is judging us. David tells us things differently. If he had not been afflicted, he would not have sought the Lord.

David Wilkerson