Reasons For Affliction – Eliminate Slothfulness

“…I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things” (Isa 45:7 ESV).

FATHER, I admit ____, like all of us, needs calamity otherwise (he/she) will fall asleep and let all the spiritual knowledge in (him/her) drain out without seeing the need for constant replenishment. Your difficult providences keep ____ from laziness.

You, WATCHER OF ISRAEL, condemned the prophets because they avoided the difficult situations which accompanied their occupation:

“You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the Lord” (Ezek 13:5 ESV).

“While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk, it is useless to man.
It must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is good that Jehovah “trieth the righteous,” for their trials cause them to grow rich toward God” (ref#34, Sept 3rd PM).

FATHER, balance ____’s mind in all varying circumstances. And help (him/her) to “cultivate a disposition that renders every duty a spiritual privilege” (ref#76, p139).

It is possible that You call (him/her) to elective affliction. If so equip (him/her) with power to “defend the breaches and build up the wall.” Do not allow ____ to run away from affliction.

“Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness…” (Jer 48:10 ESV).