AFFLICTED BUT NOT AFFECTED

For You, O God, have tested us; you have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; you laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but you brought us out to rich fulfillment (Psalm 66:10-12, NKJV).

            Notice what the Psalmist is saying. For You, O God, have tested and refined us. You brought us into the net. You laid affliction and You caused men to walk all over us. God caused all these things to happen. The question is why. The answer is in the very last sentence of this scripture. One version of the Word says, “God brought them out to rich fulfillment.” Another version says, “to a place with good things.” Lastly, another version says, “into a wealthy place.” God did not cause these afflictions to harm the children of Israel, but to bring them to a better place. May I suggest that maybe God has caused your afflictions to bring you into a better place? A better place spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. You may not see it and most likely, you don’t understand it. Nevertheless, you are in the fire so that God alone can bring you out.

            GOD will not allow the fiery trials of this life to consume you. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not over flow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV). GOD knows and controls all things. The mess you’re in right now, GOD has His hands in it.

            If you’ll look at Daniel, Chapter 3, you’ll see how GOD is able to bring us out of the fire unharmed. Daniel 3:27 expresses how the fire had no power, the hairs on their heads were not singed, and their garments were not affected. Later on Daniel was put into the lions den for doing what was right in the sight of GOD. Each trial he faced, GOD was right there with him. The Lord brought him out unaffected each time, and He will do the same for you. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19, NKJV).

            Know and believe that God has blessed purposes for each trial that He allows you to face. He will bring you out stronger, better, and wiser. Continue to trust in the name of JESUS and allow Him to bring you out of your afflictions.