Do Not Despise Affliction

Are you one that has suffered from ill health??? Have you felt condemned / rejected because of it??? Worse yet, have you been one that has condemned or rejected such a person??? Then this article is FOR YOU.

Do Not Despise Affliction

BY: Nancy Becker

Part 1

As had happened many times, I found myself in the midst of those who viewed my illness as spiritual bondage. Since I desire that others will come to understand how great our freedom is in Christ alone, let me share my thoughts on this important subject from this perspective:

To assume that illness means that God's blessing is being denied dishonors him. It fails to acknowledge that he died for all our sins on Calvary and broke the power of Satan.1

As his children we are in his keeping, and no good thing will he withhold from us.2 Also, because we are secure in his love, we can trust him and in so doing need not question why.3

Viewing illness as bondage also dishonors Christ as it stands in violation of his promise to meet all our needs and to sustain us with his all sufficient grace.4

Romans 8:28 reveals God's intentions. This verse shows us that through faith we can lay aside our natural tendency to categorize events as either good or bad. For God, who is in control of all things, has ordained that each event eventually shall be used for good. He provides assurance that our gains will always be greater than our losses. How comforting to realize that no affliction in the temporal realm can rob us of eternal riches in Christ.5

Therefore, let us glorify him in all things, both in life and in death; for to live is Christ and to die is gain.6

With full faith and assurance, we can join with each member of the body of Christ in the outpouring of our continual praise.Again, let me stress the importance of not viewing an afflicted person as though they are in bondage, when the totality of their freedom lies in Christ.7

Let us consider this subject in greater depth:

First, God's sovereignty must be acknowledged in relation to the life of Christ and also to our own. For example, from a human standpoint, the assumption could be made that Jesus would have accomplished more if his age had been extended past 33 years, and how sad it is that Satan cut his ministry short. However, the Bible proves that Satan did not have the power to thwart the plans of God in regard to the life of Jesus. I do not believe he has that power in our lives. We can have total confidence in the Lord to bring to completion the good work he began in us.

Our testimony needs to be based on his Word and the love we know he has for us, rather than on our circumstances. We must not give heed to those who would rob us of the assurance that we are totally accepted in the Beloved.9

Jesus healed all manner of afflictions, and the gift of healing was given to the church. For this we can be thankful. Yet we need also consider that Paul was denied healing of the thorn in his flesh. Note if you will Paul's response. He did not react as though a blessing was being withheld, but rather had such confidence in God's grace, that he took pleasure in his infirmities, and gladly bore reproach and persecution. Furthermore, he gave the assurance that the strength of the

Lord is made manifest in weakness.10

Those who lack strength can also take encouragement from Zechariah 4:6, "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." So once again, I would challenge you who are critical of people suffering from various ills. Are you not failing to honor and appreciate God's grace and power? Can you not see the Lord's hand on the lives of many who suffer?

Although a different subject, I believe the story of the widow's mite is applicable in principle. Could it not be, that just as her small offering was greater in the eyes of God than the donations of the rich, that special honor is reserved for those who spiritually triumph over all forms of adversity, including illness?

Another question to consider is what has shaped our perspective? Does our perception align with the flesh or the spirit?

An insightful contrast in perspectives can be illustrated through an incident that took place in my life. Sitting at my desk following a serious illness, the Lord provided me with two analogies. In accordance with natural perception one proved very discouraging. The second, touched by the spirit of the Lord, was full of comfort and hope.

In the first, a scene was presented to me of an old jalopy. It's top speed fell well below the speed limit, so cars honked in annoyance as they passed. Many times it stalled and had to be towed to the garage. Also, despite the fact that the owner of the car had it serviced by the best mechanic that could be found the vehicle repeatedly broke down.

This filled me with a sense of total hopelessness, because I realized that the old jalopy was I, and that the description was a picture of my own life. But then the Lord provided a second analogy. This time I envisioned a group of girls, happily looking for pretty rocks along a stretch of beach. One was handicapped. Being slower than the others, she could not keep up with them. However, at one point their paths converged. The group gathered and showed the handicapped child the pretty stones they had collected. Then, she showed them a single rock that she had found. "Oh," said one, "it is ugly." "I'd throw it away," said another. Finally, all of them laughed at her and walked away. Yet their scoffing and ridicule did not upset the child, for she knew something that they did not. Based on prior knowledge she believed there was a chance that she had found a diamond in the rough.

As this story unfolded it provided much encouragement. I no longer felt badly that my physical limitations and circumstances were less than desirable. Instead, I recognized that Christ, like a diamond, resided at the very center of my being. God, the Father, like a master jeweler, knows what types of stress will shatter my exterior and reveal the beauty of his presence within.

Note Matthew 6:21 states, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." It then follows that if Christ is your treasure you will know how richly blessed you are, and no type of tribulation shall overcome you.

Referring back to the negative attitude that some hold toward illness, the experience of many has been that when others looked askance at them because of their illness, they took advantage of their vulnerability. To understand how defenseless a person can feel, read the account in Genesis 9:18 - 27, where Noah had imbibed wine from his vineyard, and lay drunken and uncovered within his tent. His son, Ham, the father of Canaan, looked upon his nakedness. His other two sons, Shem and Japheth, took a garment and walked backward to cover their father. They did not look upon his nakedness.

When one considers that the blood of Jesus covers all our sins, we can understand why Noah dealt with Canaan by cursing him, but blessed Shem

and Japheth.

When a person who is ill is told that they are demonstrating a lack of victory in their Christian walk, it seems to me that their accusers are not only exposing their vulnerability, but like Ham are putting themselves in jeopardy. They are also failing to discern the nature of God and the nature of man, which should become evident as we consider the issues that follow.

Each of us would do well to ask if there are not, even by our own standards, wrong attitudes that we hold in some area of our life? Next to consider is how the Lord deals with us when we are in the wrong. Does he zap us with some form of judgment? Having once saved us, does he then abandon us to become prey for the enemy to devour? Or, does he deal with us according to his love and grace, having covered our sins and removed them as far as the east is from the west?11

Do we fail to understand the merciful nature of the One in whom we believe, and therefore bear our afflictions as a reproach? If so, we cannot count our trials as joy, as James instructs in chapter l, verse 2, for we have not fully put our confidence in the Lord.

Satan is the accuser of the brethren.12 Therefore, if we pass judgment on the infirmed, it might be relevant to ask if we are seeing them through God's eyes or if we are functioning as the devil's advocate. Are we unwittingly tearing down their faith by making them feel that they are pawns in Satan's hands; or are we upholding the integrity of their faith? Do we have the ability to look past their earthly exterior to see what the Lord has wrought within?13 Are we seeking to know each of these individuals in accordance with the spirit and not the flesh? Are we discarding diamonds because they are encrusted in forms that lack

outward appeal? Might our critical attitude and lack of total acceptance also push away some individuals of whom we have need? Yes, we do need them. As l Corinthians l2: l4-26 states, the members of the body who seem feebler are more necessary, and more abundant honor is given to the part of the body which lacks.

Brothers and sisters, can you imagine bearing your afflictions and being able to say as Job did, "though he slay me, yet will I trust him?"14 If you can, then you are demonstrating the kind of faith that waits on the Lord, either for deliverance or for his sustaining grace. What peace of spirit belongs to those whose trust and confidence are in the Lord, and who are willing to accept the role in life that he assigns.15

Also, what great joy abounds in the reality of knowing that "to live is Christ and

to die is gain." How wonderful it will be to stand at the threshold of eternity, free of guilt because Christ dealt with our sins at Calvary.

Whether we are in good health or poor, we can anticipate with confidence going from the life we have known to the life we shall have throughout eternity. Then shall we see 1 Corinthians 15:53 - 55 come to pass, where death, the last enemy, shall be defeated. The Bible states, "Death shall be swallowed up in victory!" (Also see 2 Corinthians 5:14).

Scripture References

Colossians 2:15

Psalms 84:11, Ephesians 1:3

Job 13:15, Proverbs 3:5

Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 1:7

Romans 8:35 - 39, 9:23

Philippians 1:21

John 8:36

Philippians 1:6

Ephesians 1:6

2 Corinthians 12:7 - 10

Romans 4:7, Psalms 103:12

Revelation 12:10

1 Samuel 16:7

Job 13:15

Isaiah 26:3

Part 2

In conversation with a missionary friend and neighbor, I referred to the subject of this paper and asked, "Does Jesus look at a sick person and say, ˜Your sickness is not of me, so I will have nothing to do with you?" My friend agreed that this was not the case. Rather, the Lord identifies with us in our condition of infirmities so much so that in Matthew 25:41 he curses those who failed to minister to the sick, and orders them to depart from him. By neglecting the needs of others, they

failed to serve him. In verses 45 and 46 he states, "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."

So crucial is the role of compassionate service, that he ends in verse 40 with the

words, "these, (who did not minister to the least of my brethren), shall go away into everlasting punishment.

Luke 16:19 - 31 relates the story of Lazarus. Lazarus, a beggar, covered with sores, lay at the gate of a rich man. When he died, he was received into Abraham's bosom. In his lifetime Lazarus received evil things, but after he died he was comforted.

I experience affliction as a result of health problems. However, I do not suffer to the degree that Lazarus did. Considering this by way of background let me relate one incident, which appeared so unfavorable that my friends had no encouragement to offer. On this occasion my blood pressure had gone out of control. Due to chemical sensitivity, I could not tolerate enough medication to successfully regulate it.

One friend, observing my dilemma, told me that I was in a lose-lose situation: If I

took the needed dosage of medicine I would die, and if I didn't I would die.

"No," I cheerfully replied, "I am in a win-win situation, for to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). That spiritual reflection brought joy and peace beyond measure.

Other scriptures serve as an encouragement to me. One that I recently read is Colossians 2:10 - 15. It states that we are complete in him who is the head of all principality and power. He also assures us that he has "forgiven our trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." He "spoiled principalities and powers triumphing over them."

How good to know that my illness is not a form of punishment from God. Rather than holding some sort of grudge against me, he nailed all of my offenses to the cross.

Another source of encouragement is Colossians 3:2 - 3. When I am ill and my list of accomplishments, outside of prayer, balances at zero, it helps to read the instruction, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth, for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." It helps so much to be set free from the demands of others and the demands of self. Assuming an attitude of trust, I remind myself that my life is hid in God.

A passage that might be seen as an extension of the same thought, is 2 Corinthians 4:16 -18. Here it states, "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 1 Samuel 16:7 incorporates that thought by saying, "the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

It reassures me to know that God does not judge on outward appearance. Also, at times when I have felt low on self esteem, it has helped me to realize that among those chosen and called are those who are weak, in debt, in distress, and of low estate. (See 1 Samuel 22:2, 1 Corinthians 1:26, Romans 12:16).

Fellow Christians have often said that they feel the enemy has defeated me through my various ills. They then list all of the things I am unable to accomplish. Their measures of worth may appear to be right in their own eyes, but they have turned from Christ by rejecting his lowliness and humility. (See Proverbs 14:12). His yoke then they cannot bear.

This may also be one reason that they have turned from me. They are unable to

look away from the composite image of success that the world has fashioned, and accept me as chosen of God based on my faith in Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:26 - 29 says that God uses those who are foolish, weak, and despised to bring to naught all that is in man that would exalt itself before the Almighty.

While reading 2 Corinthians 4:8 - 10, I felt enlightened by the realization that it is through the spiritual counterparts to our problems that we demonstrate our victory. As Romans 8:35 - 37 explains, "in all types of tribulation and distress, we are more than conquerors through Christ." In other words, when we are troubled and cast down, victory is not something we hope to attain by rising above our circumstances. Rather, victory is already ours in Christ, right in the

midst of our trials! (1 John 4:4, 5:4).

Another subject worthy of mention is the suffering of Job. Job had much to say to the Lord about his afflictions. The Lord answered him by asking, "Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? Wilt thou also disannul my judgement?" (Job 38 and 40). Yet even though Job desired to know the reason for his plight, he still honored God.

In the first chapter, this fact is firmly established by his response to personal loss. In verses 20-21 it says, "then Job arose and rent his mantle and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground and worshipped, and said, ˜Naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job also maintained the integrity of his faith when he was suffering with boils from head to foot. His wife told him to curse God and die, but he replied, "What, shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:7-10).

The final verse I will refer to is Job 13:15: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." In the end, God restored Job and blessed him the rest of his days. We should not view the book of Job simply as an account of how bad things can get. Rather, we should realize that Job shows us all how we should respond to affliction by trusting in the Lord with our whole hearts. Our wills must remain in subjection to his, for he is almighty and sovereign. We need not forget the path for our own blessings, for those who wait on the Lord shall receive recompense for their suffering, either in this life as did Job, or in eternity as did the beggar,

Lazarus.

Therefore, let us exalt and worship the Lord. For he is worthy- not just when we are living in ease, but through every moment of our existence he is there. Our lives are always in his keeping.

Some stumble during a time of trials and afflictions because they are not certain of their standing with the Lord. Like myself in times past, they may conclude that Job was healed because he was blameless before the Lord. They may feel personally unworthy to receive God's blessing. However, even when we've failed the testing of our faith, God has not withdrawn his unconditional love and acceptance. (Romans 6:10, Romans 8:38 - 39). No matter what kind of picture adversity paints our position before the Lord is not diminished. As his children, we are joint heirs with Christ and have access to all spiritual blessing. (Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:3).

To be able to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy, or even the natural consequences of our own mistakes, we need to be secure in God's love, and believe in his grace and timely deliverance.

Finally, we need to be thankful for our trials, no matter what theirnature, because they not only test us but also establish our confidence in his love. Knowing then that he loves and cares for us, it becomes our privilege to choose to believe in every situation. Therefore: If you ever find yourself with 11 brothers, and they throw you into a pit, either you will worry that the pit is too deep to climb out, or

remember that Jesus loves you. (See Daniel 6:16). And if you're assailed by those who have the power to take your life, you shall either believe you are forsaken, or will realize that those who have the power to destroy the body do not have the power to destroy your soul, because Jesus love you. (See Job 6:1 - 12). In all things hold to his love and trust him.

The application of faith just described was demonstrated in the life of

Joseph. A brief summary of the hardships he experienced includes the

following: His jealous brothers threw him into a pit. Next he was sold

to Midianite merchants, who took him to Egypt. There he was sold as a

slave to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials. Despite his faithfulness

in serving his new master, the Lord allowed him to become a victim of

Potiphar's wife. Falsely accused of trying to seduce her, he was thrown

into prison. While imprisoned, his plight appeared hopeless. Yet Joseph

must have known that his life rested in the hands of the Almighty, for

he remained faithful to God. Finally, in God's timing, he was released

and restored to a position of prominence. (Genesis 39: 50).

Had Joseph despaired while in prison, he would have given up on God.

Then he would have no longer been able to commune with him. Instead, he

would have been submerged in his own sea of troubles.

Joseph held to his faith in God. However, the faith of some falters when

they cannot resolve difficulties on their own. They need to be reminded

of God's love and faithfulness, and worship, praise, and exalt him under

all circumstances. They will be able to do this, only if they have come

to know and trust him.

Recalling 2 Corinthians 4:16, "¦though the outward man perish, yet the

inward man is renewed day by day," enables us to persevere when faced

with illness. Since our joy in the Lord overshadows all else, we can

honestly acknowledge our afflictions without acting as though God has

been dethroned. The attitude to demonstrate is that all is right with

our soul. We can also offset our woes with the knowledge that God works

on the timetable of eternal life. Like Lazarus the beggar, we may not

receive our reward until eternity.

The second half of Romans 8 ties the whole subject together in respect

to being secure in God's love, regardless of our human condition. Let me

summarize portions of this passage and also add personal comments,

beginning with verse 18:

First, note that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared

with the glory that shall be revealed in us. All creation travails in

pain. We therefore groan within ourselves as we wait for the redemption

of our body. Yet the Spirit helps our infirmities. Since the Holy Spirit

is present to help during times of illness, then none should work

against the Spirit by betraying friends who are ill. Rather than

criticizing them, it should be realized that some are chosen in the

furnace of affliction. (Isaiah 48:10). God's will is that his children

respond to his grace with thankfulness in face of whatever trial they

must endure.

What great confidence we gain from reading Romans 8, when we learn that

the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. Being called

according to his purpose, we can know that all things in our life will

work together for good. Furthermore, we are predestined to be conformed

to image of his Son. We are called, justified, and glorified. Failing

health does not diminish this.

The next few verses ask, "What shall we then say to these things? If God

be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but

delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give

us all things? Who shall lay any things to the charge of God's elect? It

is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? "Who shall separate

us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or

persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" "Nay, in all

these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For

I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor principalities, nor

powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,

nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of

God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Think about the afflictions listed. Not only is nothing able to separate

us from God's love, but Psalms 4:1 adds that we are enlarged in our

distress. Indeed, our trials do enlarge us, for they cause us to rely on

the sufficiency of the Lord, rather than our own.

One primary outcome of enduring trials is to prepare us to minister

encouragement to others. We need to help them look past their

afflictions to Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Finally, let us praise the Lord, knowing that he is with us always and

that we, even in our need, are complete in him. His blessings are

all-inclusive. In him we have full assurance and hope. (Colossians

2:10).

I would welcome your correspondence. Since I don't have a computer, you

may contact me by writing to:

Nancy Becker

4165 Satter Drive NE

Salem, OR 97305