by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

Consider again 2 Corinthians 1:1-7.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:1-7).

Paul argues that whether the apostle suffered or is comforted, there is a purpose to it, and in this particular case, the purpose is the consolation and the comfort of the saints who are going through the same suffering. Is there a purpose to what you are suffering? Seek to know by prayer!

The Lord Jesus Christ taught affirmatively in John 15:2b that there is further pruning (painful cutting and shaping) for greater fruitfulness.

…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2).

Understanding the purpose of God in the affliction or adversity strengthens your faith to carry on, particularly when you are walking in His righteousness. Yes, when your life is pleasing to the Lord, adversity and affliction can still come for the purpose of character enhancement and greater fruitfulness.

Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow (Isaiah 50:10-11).