Jun 11 – Light Affliction!

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

As we journey through this world, the Lord gives us certain supports. He provides supportive people, jobs, circumstances, and places. But when we begin to depend on those supports instead of depending on the Lord Himself, He sometimes removes them from us.

At such times, our hearts become troubled. We cry out asking why the Lord allowed it to happen. But as days pass, we begin to realize that we can still live even without those supports — and that what seemed like a loss was actually gain. Then we understand clearly that our light affliction is producing eternal glory for us.

A small plant once stood beneath the shade of a great banyan tree. It delighted in the shelter of those wide branches. But one day, the owner of the land cut down the mighty tree with an axe.

The little plant wept bitterly: “Alas, my shelter is gone! My shade has disappeared! What will happen to me when storms come?”

But after some time, warm sunlight began to shine directly upon the little plant. Rainwater reached it freely. The gentle breeze refreshed it. Then the plant found comfort and strength, realizing: “Even if the banyan tree is gone, the Lord who created it is still with me.”

Consider Jonah. The Bible says: “And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant.” (Jonah 4:6)

Jonah rejoiced over the plant, but he did not grieve for souls. He delighted in the plant more than in the Lord who could bless him in countless ways. He did not praise the God who gave the blessing.

So the next morning, at dawn, God prepared a worm which damaged the plant, and it withered away.

Children of God, when the Lord gives you supporters and comforts, continue to depend on Him and praise Him. And if those supports are removed, do not lose heart. Believe that all things work together for good to those who love God, and continue to give thanks to Him always.

Verse for further meditation: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)