Necessary Affliction

Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity, for that is why you have been tested by affliction. 

Job 36:21

Moments where everything falls perfectly in line and there isn't a trouble in my world are rare. I know you can relate. As a matter of fact, the more I follow Jesus, the more trouble I seem to endure. The more trouble I endure, the more I learn about my own heart. I learn just how fragile and susceptible it is to the things of this world. 

I often wonder whether there is an age in life where the human heart's natural tendency isn't to become self righteous, harbor anger or feel ugly things towards fellow humans after being tested to some extent. But this verse, spoken to Job during his hardships, tells me it's common among every age group and spiritual background.

Just as gold is tested and purified, so we must also be. We only think we know our own hearts until life happens. Testing helps us to see ourselves for realistically, creating a sensitivity to the movements of our own hearts. It keeps the heart humble as it keeps us asking God for help. As it melts away pride, it creates a more mature heart - capable of following Jesus without trying to lead.

I've come to believe that real spiritual maturity has more to do with humility than how much we know or do. Without having experienced hardship ourselves, we can't relate to the orphans, widows, homeless and the sick. And without that, we can't expect them to take us seriously when we tell them about Jesus. 

Hang in there, brothers and sisters. No one ever promised this would be easy, but we know good awaits us. Don't give up. Encourage yourself in the Lord. He loves you.