We cannot escape affliction because it is part of our human experience. The question is how we deal with it. We know that in this life we will have trials and tribulations. The word tells us to be of good cheer. I would argue strongly that far too often we find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s troubles. They may not knock us down, but they may become a source of our newfound faith and trust in God. Someone
said, “If I never had a problem, I would not know what God could do.” We all must learn to trust Him. Praise God today that when we put our trust in Him, God will keep us in times of affliction. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, we find these words:

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”

It is clear this servant of the Lord is facing troubles, but he is confident that the troubles that he is facing will not last long. His confidence comes from his relationship with Jesus Christ. He is well aware of the blessings that come when one places trust and hope in the Lord. Paul said we should not look at the troubles we can see, but rather we should fix our gaze on things that we cannot see. The things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. When you get a chance, read this entire chapter. Prayerfully, you will be able to join me in saying, “I can deal with affliction because I know the Lord is on my side.”