He in You....Difficulties produces Fruit

Carina Francke

Scripture: Psalm 119:67,71

Difficulties are inevitable unpleasantnesses in the believer's life but it always produces fruit.  Afflictions or trials cannot be ascribed to life and the part unbelievers play only,  but also to the part we ourselves (more) often play.  "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word."! (Ps 119: 67)

Like disobedient children we often obstinately choose to do our own will and then must bear the consequences of our willfulness and stubbornness.  The aftermath though, is that other people also suffer because of us. A good example is that of Jonah who refused to obey God's command to go preach His grace in Nineveh but chose to go his own way because "he knew better." He eventually caused the loss of a ship's cargo, almost the water death of a ship's entire crew and he was swallowed by a big fish where he stayed for three days and nights engulfed by water with seaweed wrapped around his head. It was in these circumstances that he realized God is right and that "salvation comes from the Lord." (Ps 2:9)

We often rationalize to dodge God's "No!" in our lives.  We justify our choices and decisions with words like, "I know what I do! I work hard, I deserve this little pleasure! I am my own boss! " and sometime we even go so far as to manipulate the Word of God to justify our wrong, very often sinful decisions.

The consequence? We suffer (and also other people who are drawn into it!). And then we dare ask, "Where is God?"  He is still where He always is with the believer: IN you!  But because you have a will of your own He had to move aside and allow you to learn the hard way that His decrees, plans and work ethics are ALWAYS the best.

Everything is not lost though, because He can turn the most hopeless situation into a victory.  The question is though, can you, like the Psalmist admit, "before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep You word. (Ps 119:67)

What is the fruit of this attitude? It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your decrees." Ps 119:71

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Your are able to even change my willfulness and failures into a learning curve.  Help me to recognize and admit my guilt. Amen.