"And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them because of their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty."
Alma 4:3
None of us enjoy afflictions, but I like the fact that they are useful and not pointless. God tells us that he will "consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain" (2 Nephi 2:2), which I think means that God can use even the bad things in life to help us to learn, grow, and find joy.
In this verse, their afflictions caused them to remember God, and their duty to him. I think that is a common side effect of afflictions, for example this verse: "In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me." (D&C 101:8). Sometimes it takes something negative happening to kind of wake us up and remind us that we need God. ... Now, I definitely think it would be better if we could remember God *before* something bad happens, and not saying that I love afflictions either, but perhaps we need them sometimes, at least until we learn a little better. :)
Today, let's remember that there is a purpose for afflictions too. We don't have to think that they are fun, but perhaps we should be open to the lessons that we can learn from them when they do come. Let's remember our duty to God, and look to him as he promises us that "all things wherewith [we] have been afflicted shall work together for [our] good" (D&C 98:3).
Alma 4:3
None of us enjoy afflictions, but I like the fact that they are useful and not pointless. God tells us that he will "consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain" (2 Nephi 2:2), which I think means that God can use even the bad things in life to help us to learn, grow, and find joy.
In this verse, their afflictions caused them to remember God, and their duty to him. I think that is a common side effect of afflictions, for example this verse: "In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me." (D&C 101:8). Sometimes it takes something negative happening to kind of wake us up and remind us that we need God. ... Now, I definitely think it would be better if we could remember God *before* something bad happens, and not saying that I love afflictions either, but perhaps we need them sometimes, at least until we learn a little better. :)
Today, let's remember that there is a purpose for afflictions too. We don't have to think that they are fun, but perhaps we should be open to the lessons that we can learn from them when they do come. Let's remember our duty to God, and look to him as he promises us that "all things wherewith [we] have been afflicted shall work together for [our] good" (D&C 98:3).
Affliction is a direct lesson from the Gods when the Spirit fails to inspire the sinner.
ReplyDeleteAffliction corrects those who are chosen for His Glory.
Are U chosen for His Glory?,then suffer the affliction.Lol 👍