Our Afflictions

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:33 pm Post subject: Our Afflictions

Many blessings to all,

As Jesus walked the land, teaching the Word to the thousands who gathered and followed his every step, the sick and the lame would flock to Him. Many of the afflicted were carried by friends and loved ones, just so they might touch His robe. We are told of those who lowered a lame man through a hole in the roof that he may be placed in the presence of Jesus. We are also told of those who would travel to Jesus and beseech Him to heal a loved one. In each case, Jesus gave His healing, remarking how it is their faith which has lead to the the healing for which they ask.

From that time, to days present, many miracles of healing have occurred as the result of prayer and pilgrimages to holy places, prayers and acts of belief through those who have requested mercy of God. But what about those of us who are afflicted and remain afflicted? If He cured lepers, made the deaf hear, made blind men see, brought loved ones back from the dead, why is it those of great faith are still left with afflictions? Why does He not cure all of us and bless us with great health and wealth? Could it be that there is a blessing and power in our affliction?

As I ponder this question, I think of a woman named Kimi who touched my life on a day when I needed a reminder from the Lord that I was not alone in the challenges I faced. She gave me a small card that said, â€œHelp me to remember Lord, that nothing is going to happen today that You and I cannot handle together. â€œIt also said, â€œTrust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the rock eternal.â€œ (Isaiah 26:4)

Kimi is afflicted physically, but so blessed spiritually. I have not seen Kimi since that day, but I think of her gift often and the strength she demonstrated to me. Had it been anyone else other than Kimi, I do not think what she did would have had such a lasting impact upon me. The Lord gave her the power and gift of projecting her faith.

I think also of a woman by the name of Gianna Jessen. As I learned and wrote about her, I was struck by how she viewed the affliction from her birth as a gift of God. Because of the abortion attempt, she was deprived of oxygen which resulted in her being born with cerebral palsy. Despite her affliction, she runs marathons and has become a Christian singer. She is an advocate for children conceived but not yet born, for she was a survivor of abortion and a reminder of what abortion costs. Think of the lives never touched or enriched had the abortion of Gianna succeeded.

It is perhaps the power of her affliction that captures the attention of so many. It is perhaps the power of her affliction that causes many to turn and ponder the faith she exudes. Perhaps it is how she has embraced her affliction which prevents many from dismissing her message of love in the Lord and the need to protect our children conceived, but not yet born.

If we think back to the times Jesus walked the land, we might see the blessings of affliction in the story of a blind man. As Jesus and his disciples walked by a man born blind, the disciples asked, â€œRabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?â€œ Jesus answered, â€œNeither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.â€ (John 9:2-3)

Think for a moment what was said, â€œ...it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.â€ Jesus restored the sight of the man born blind so others might see. Before that event could happen, the man had to be first afflicted, for without the affliction, no miracle could have occurred. The power of this moment crossed generations.

And so I think it must be for Kimi, Gianna and many others afflicted, yet blessed with the strength and spirit to not only overcome their afflictions, but through their testimony, help us understand the true blessings of the Lord. And what of others who face the diseases of age or other afflictions of accident or time? Remember the loved ones who brought them to Jesus for healing? Perhaps the power of the afflicted is so that others are able to care. In that caring, the ability to live according to the commandment to love is demonstrated.

We all have different stations in life. We all are granted different gifts by the Lord. Our hope is not in what is of this world, but in the graces granted by our Lord. If we are afflicted in any way, we must trust that it is so that the works of God might be made visible through us. We may not know exactly how. We may not know exactly when. It may be over time and how we use our gifts or how we deal with our afflictions.

One might ask, who is more blessed, those who seem to have health and wealth or those who are rich in spirit? From the examples of Kimi, Gianna and the blind man, I must conclude those who are rich in spirit for they are blessed with the strength and richness of their soul. Physical afflictions pale in comparison to afflictions we face in our weakness to sin. If we are afflicted, we should pray for the blessings of the Lord, but not so much for our physical healing as for the strengthening of our spirit and the wellness of our soul. Blessed be all with the love of the God.

May the Lord be with you,
Prayer Soldier