DON'T WASTE YOUR AFFLICTIONS! Let's get an understanding! Not all afflictions are at the hand of God. Some come from the devil/flesh. Lamentations 3:33; For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. The Lord allows our afflictions only for his holy, eternal purposes. It is to bring us into a "wealthy place"! Philippians 1:12; But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Mark 8:35; For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. Paul also wrote; Acts 20:24; But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. A look at AFFLICTIONS! 1 Thessalonians 3:3; That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. You probably saying he didn't call me to such a life! WRONG! Psalm 34:19;Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. IT'S A INVESTMENT! Psalm 66:10; For thou, O God, hast proved us; thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. v12; Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. DON'T WASTE YOUR AFFLICTIONS! 1 Peter 4:12; Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: v13; But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. DON'T WASTE YOUR AFFLICTIONS! Galatians 6:17; From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. DON'T WASTE THEM NOW! Apostle