Grace in Afflictions

I have been meditating for several weeks on 2 Cor. 4:15-18. The expression “light affliction” has been returning to my mind as I deal with daily, nagging physical conditions that are burdensome and uncomfortable. I’m seeking relief, improvement, and help from any source available. Even though I’m plagued by real challenges and wearing out, I’m still striving for healing and personal progress in my body and my soul. To respond I’m fleeing regularly to my study of God’s grace as revealed in scripture.

The passage that mentions the concept of “light afflictions” is set in the context of God’s abounding grace. One translation expresses it as “the grace which is spreading to more and more people” to abound, or overflow, to the glory of God.  That is convicting to me. My afflictions are part of God’s plan to provide grace to me – and through me – for His glory. I can’t wrap my mind around all of what that means, but I remember dark nights at Mayo Clinic when God used an African born nurse to sooth my bodily afflictions. She was a true Christ follower who lived out her life to be an instrument of God’s grace.

In my study I’ve learned that the word translated “affliction” here is also rendered as tribulation, trouble, anguish, and even persecution in other passages. John MacArthur writes that this word “has the underlying meaning of being under pressure and was used of squeezing olives in a press in order to extract the oil and of squeezing grapes to extract the juice.”

Paul says in the passage that the affliction’s are momentary and temporary. They are relatively light in the context of eternity. The whole purpose of the passage is to contrast our afflictions with the great affliction the Lord Jesus Christ endured for us on the cross. This is a message of good news, gospel hope for the believer. The puritan, Thomas Watson, reminds us, “Affliction may be lasting, but it is not everlasting”.

My late friend Chuck Wood commented on this passage in this way. “Our afflictions are much a matter of focus. Focus on the afflictions, and they become heavy. Focus on what God is doing through them, and they lose weight. Whatever it is that you are going through, will you see it through God’s eyes?” Through the journey of life, I’ve encountered affliction and adversity on numerous occasions. But looking back I see where God’s grace has been provided – and it has been sufficient.

Yes, our affliction is light!

• Our affliction is light compared to what others are suffering.
• Our affliction is light compared to what we deserve.
• Our affliction is light compared to what Jesus suffered for us.
• Our affliction is light compared to the blessings we enjoy.
• Our affliction is light as we experience the sustaining power of God’s grace.
• Our affliction is light when we see the glory that it is leading to.
• We really can say with Paul, “our light affliction.”

Gerry Carlson is retired from a life of active ministry and lives in Florida.