Purpose of Affliction

"Tuesday August 2nd: Was still laboring to make myself more comfortable with regard to my house and lodging. Labored under spiritual anxiety; it seemed to me that I deserved to be kicked out of the world; yet found some comfort in committing my cause to God. It is good for me to be afflicted that I may die wholly to this world and all that is in it."

-The Life and Diary of David Brainerd

I am so quick to question the source and purpose of any affliction on my life, because I am in love with my own comfort. At the end of the day, it reveals what can be my limited belief in the sovereignty of God, and His love that keeps me. Brainerd reminds me of the great purpose behind affliction. I may think of it as something that holds me back. Rather, if it is causing me to die to myself, I am assured the Lord is using it to carry me forward in grace.

The God of All Comfort

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  

who comforts us in all our affliction"

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I watched part of the West Virginia vs. Louisville basketball game today and was reminded of this incident from last season involving star player Da'Sean Butler and Coach Bob Huggins from West Virginia. This is but the slightest whisper of how great the Heavenly Father's affections are for His children. In life's most hurtful moments, in our deepest possible pain, Our Father is there. He never leaves our side. In all our afflictions, He comforts us.