“…that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead…” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Rear View Mirror

My last car’s rear-view mirror had a small-print sticker on it that said, “Objects May Be Larger Than They Appear.” I suppose this is meant to inform me that the car traveling behind me, looking like a child’s toy in the distance, will actually be a full-sized car when it passes me on the freeway. Or perhaps it is telling me that the matchstick standing up in the dirt behind me is actually a fence post that is a real threat to my rear bumper if I don’t turn my steering wheel a little more.

What starts as a small thing can turn into a really big thing before we know it. Unkind words can eventually destroy family relationships. Small medical issues, if ignored or not caught early enough, can take a life. Minor disturbances in negotiations between countries can become wars. We are all familiar with this concept.

When I had an injury that required rest for a couple of months, I began to think about how God uses affliction for His larger purposes. I have walked with the Lord for a very long time, yet I no doubt still have much to learn, and God knows that we learn lessons fully and deeply when we experience them—if we walk with Him through the affliction. (I say this because some have turned quite bitter over their afflictions.)

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

“I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75).

I can’t say, with Paul, that I had “the sentence of death in myself”, but I certainly was “burdened beyond measure, above strength”, and I “despaired even of life.”  I am learning more fully that I cannot trust in myself, but in God who raises the dead (and I was “dead” to so many things during that time). I learned about true friendship, giving, caring for others, empathy for those who suffer, the Lord’s faithfulness, healing, fervent prayer, and so much more. And I know for certain that there will be more lessons yet to come. God won’t waste my affliction, but will use it for my good (Romans 8:28), and for your good (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), as I share what I have experienced and learned.

There will be other afflictions yet to come. But we have this sure word: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29). This is my heart’s cry: that through my afflictions, I will be conformed to the image of His Son.

Father, conform us. Teach us Your statutes. When we are burdened beyond measure, may we trust in You alone. Amen.