Delivered Out of Our Afflictions

One night, Jacob wrestled with the Lord in an open field (see Genesis 32:24-26). I imagine some thoughts going through Jacob’s mind: “God, how did I end up in this mess? You made such great promises to me. You told me you would guide me, keep me, and fulfill your plans in me. How could any of this be your leading? What kind of covenant walk is this? Lord, I simply have no future.”  

Now, you may reason that Jacob didn’t seek God about some of his choices. Maybe he acted out of his flesh. Well, perhaps he did, but all that is beside the point. God could have intervened on Jacob’s behalf at any time, but he did not. 

The fact is that we can have a contrite spirit and still have problems. You and your spouse may be going through a terrible trial. You have prayed, “Lord, I don’t understand. I know my heart is right, and I am walking with you, so why are you allowing this awful trial?” 

Most of us think, as Jacob did, that contrite and praying Christians should not have to endure great sorrows. We should not face awful times or fearful conditions in which our very future is threatened. Nevertheless, the reality is that humble, repentant, praying Christians still suffer great peril and sorrow. 

Nowhere in the Bible does God promise to keep us from problems. He never promises a smooth ride in our jobs or careers, nor does he promise us exemption from affliction. In fact, he says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV). This verse does not say God delivers us from afflictions but out of them. 

Paul speaks of knowing the heights and depths of God’s love for him, yet the Lord didn’t keep Paul’s ship from sinking. Paul says he was exposed to perils on land and on sea, from robbers and from his own countrymen. In fact, God allowed the apostle to be stoned, beaten and disgraced. 

At times, we may weep, wondering, “God, where are you? Why haven’t you taken me out of this?” Even though the Lord allows us to experience things that try our souls, he delivers us out of them all, just as he did Jacob and Paul.