As you’ve probably figured out by now, the topics of affliction and sanctification (and the relationship between the two) have been great on my heart and mind of late.
It seems I cannot escape this topic. Sermons at church randomly focus on this topic. Conversations I have seem to come back to it. Songs I listen to. The psalms I read. Not to mention countless people we know and love are also enduring seasons of hardship, spiritual attack, and affliction.
There is a song we used to sing at Redeemer called “I Asked the Lord” by John Newton. I always sang it thinking “that’s a really cool lyric”, but the trueness of those words didn’t resound deep within my own heart until recently. In the past couple months those words have played through my head; it has almost become my anthem.
I am learning this profound truth over and over and over: God uses our affliction to sanctify us. His purposes and faithfulness are never lost in the midst of affliction. In the greatest affliction comes the greatest sanctification. And when we experience that sanctification, our affliction becomes one of the greatest catalysts for joy and satisfaction.
If you are in a season of hardship, hear me now: Your affliction is not a mistake. Your affliction is not a sign that God has forsaken you. Your affliction does not mean God has not answered your prayers. No, your affliction is subject to His purposes. God has not left you; He will never forsake you if you are one of His redeemed. And your affliction may be the very answer to your prayers…just not the answer you wanted. I know that doesn’t take away the hardness or the pain of whatever you are going through…but it can lead to joy regardless.
I’ll stop writing now and let John Newton’s words do the talking. I encourage you to sit with these words, let them sink in, feel the paradox of torment and joy, and let His faithfulness wash over you. Cry out to Him, cling to Him, pour your soul out to Him…but have hope in Jesus Christ, and do not lose heart.
1. I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and every grace
Might more of His salvation know
And seek more earnestly His face
2. Twas He who taught me thus to pray
And He I trust has answered prayer
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair
3. I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He’d answer my request
And by His love’s constraining power
Subdue my sins and give me rest
4. Instead of this He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers of Hell
Assault my soul in every part
5. Yea more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low
6. Lord why is this, I trembling cried
Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?
“Tis in this way” The Lord replied
“I answer prayer for grace and faith”
7. “These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou mayest seek thy all in me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in me.”
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