Embracing Afflictions

Is any among you afflicted? The answer is an absolute yes! Today, ministers and laymen alike are suffering, and tragically many do so in silence. Sometimes we don't admit our struggles because we don't want to appear weak, or we simply don't think anyone will understand. Some of us have sought answers for the distresses of life only to be left with the same unanswered questions. Nevertheless, James felt an urging from the Holy Ghost to ask the question, "Is any one among you afflicted?" He then followed up with this word of encouragement:

"Let him pray."
James 5:13

This all sounds very simple: if you're afflicted - pray. Yet after being in the ministry for 27 years, I have learned that life's struggles are not always that easy. I wish they were, because it would be so wonderful to look into the eyes of an afflicted soul and tell them just to pray, and everything will be alright. I would love to think that a short season of prayer would fix all our problems. Don't misunderstand me: I am not discounting or diminishing the transforming power of prayer, but there are many factors to evaluate in the life of an afflicted soul. For instance, what is the root cause of the affliction? We can't blame everything on the devil, as sometimes we may be the cause of our own suffering. Maybe we need to change something in our life, or perhaps we need to learn how to live differently. Do we need to change our attitude, our perspective, our diet, our friends, or our approach to handling money?

I am writing to you from the perspective of a pastor who has suffered from his own mistakes as well as attacks of the enemy, but I've learned some incredible lessons along the way. This is the reason for writing: to discuss my suffering, my stress, and my struggles. Then, share with you how I have dealt with things the enemy would use to destroy me, and how God has made all things work together for my good. I pray that my story will help you.

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Are you afflicted?