My Affliction is My Strength

af·flic·tion (\ə-ˈflik-shən\) 1 : the state of being afflicted 2 : the cause of persistent pain or distress 3 : great suffering


I know this title is a bit strange, but believe me, there's a message here. Praises to The Father! I was in meditation this morning and thought on Jacob and his affliction. If you're not familiar with this, click on the link for scriptures pertaining to it. I advise reading the whole chapter, but the key verses are Genesis 32:24-32:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=32&version=9&context=chapter

Jacob wrestled with God so long, that he developed a handicap. That's some hard wrestling! The thing is, even in the midst of his painful injury, he did not give up. You see, Jacob was fighting for a blessing! He was experiencing something very frightening to him. His first affliction was that he feared his brother would not only take his life, but his family's as well for a betrayal he was responsible for many years before. So, Jacob contended with God until he got a blessing. But, Jacob did not know that he was struggling with God. He thought he was fighting with a man. Isn't that how we often do? We think we are battling against a man and it's something so much more awesome! We think our employers or our government or people can help us, but it's The Father we must seek!

The thing I find outstanding about Jacob is that his afflictions became the highlight of his walk! That is awesome. He found joy in his affliction! I imagine every time he felt the pain in his joint instead of thinking negative, he thought of how close he was to The Father because of it. Isn't it during trials which affect our family and our body, that we seek God most? Jacob's blessing from JAH did not evolve without a struggle.

To the outside world he seemed weaker than any other time in his life. After all, he humbled himself before his brother and he had developed a limp. In truth, it was after he acquired his afflictions that he grew to be stronger, spiritually than he had ever been! This puts a new light on how we all can view our afflictions.

Much peace and respect to you! Be blessed!