Good to be Afflicted

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71)

The disciples were caught in a frightening storm on the Sea of Galilee. Now most of the disciples were fishermen and they knew storms this one was different. They were frightened.

Now the disciples were not out in the boat because of disobedience. The Lord had sent them away. If they were in the will of God then why were they being afflicted?
Little did they know that they were safer in the boat in the storm than they would have been on dry land with the people? They wanted to make Jesus king because they had been fed by Him. Jesus knew their motives and He did not want the disciples to fall into the same trap.

Finally, they saw Jesus coming to them on the water. The thing that was bringing affliction into their lives was the very thing that brought them Jesus to save them. Could it be that our afflictions are bring Jesus to us?