Bible Studies

A College Of Afflictions

by Olawale Ogunsola
11/04/23
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1There is no exaggeration in the fact that so many people suffer afflictions in various forms and ways. Sadly, people of God are not left out of the matter.

When afflictions come in any form and time, people of God usually give queries to God in respect of their plight. "Why me Lord?" is a common question. Such people do not have time to ask themselves, "What have I done to deserve this?" This is a better question.

Many times, Satan is blamed for the afflictions of many people. Do you know that what this enemy of mankind does is the same as he did in the Garden of Eden? What is this? He writes the script for man to act in the play as he stays away after leaving the script with the fellow concerned.

Afflictions can be seen as a college with many departments. Many times, it is the afflicted that registers himself in the college. He chooses the course of his interest. No one will obstruct him. Even when someone counsels otherwise, the "student" will take offense.

The Psalmist records,
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." Psalm 229:67. King James Version, (KJV).

This was the case with the Prodigal Son. He was with his father and everything went well with him. He lacked nothing.

One day he obtained a form of College Of Afflictions. He filled it out and submitted it. He obtained it when he chose to depart to a far country. He submitted it when he wasted his possessions.

At that point, the course began. "And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want."  Luke 15:14.
He suffered hunger and negligence. No one cared for him. Swines became his "friends". He feasted with them. He was dying of hunger before he ended the course.

The Psalmist records,
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:71.

The Prodigal Son learned his lessons by experience. There is no record of his departing again from his father. He remained with him permanently because he had learned obedience and submission in the College Of Afflictions. He knew that the courses available there were very tough. So he did not want a repeat or rerun. He became very gentle.

Beloved Pilgrim, what difficulty do you undergo? Have you taken time to iron it out with yourself to know what you have done wrong? This is important. It will give you a clue as to what caused your suffering. This will lead to a sure solution to your predicament. The earlier you do this, the better will be your graduation from the College Of Afflictions. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.