Reaction to Affliction

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 NIV)

Have you ever seen someone stub their toe and then immediately kick something afterwards? Many of us respond to pain by lashing out indiscriminately, causing further damage. We assume that this helps us to release our anger and frustration, but these reactions are often counterproductive.

When afflictions come into our lives, we can respond with patience or impatience, trust or anxiety.  Our reaction to the tragedy determines the outcome. Either we are transformed into better human beings, or we shrivel into bitter creatures who are crippled by pain.  Suffering cannot defeat us, but our attitude can.

Adversity is a challenging lesson. In the midst of trials, the pain blinds us to everything else that is going on. We can’t see anything productive coming out of these experiences. It can be years before we can acknowledge the value in suffering. It teaches us how to deal with evil, misfortune, and suffering. Pain can shape us into being more compassionate, patient, humble, and courageous. If we trust God when we are helpless, we learn to be confident in His power.  We become stronger, faith-filled individuals. We are able to inspire and comfort others who are suffering. We become God’s tools for change.

Lord, may we be confident in hope, patient in trouble, and constant in prayer.  Help us to overcome evil by doing good.