They are sudden, painful, and life-shattering. Gordon MacDonald calls them “disruptive moments.” They are “those unanticipated moments, most of which, one would usually have chosen to avoid had it been possible.” He goes on to say, “We don’t like disruptive moments; they are too often associated with inconvenience, failure and humiliation….” But whether self-inflicted or inflicted on us, let’s consider them as “providential afflictions.” For, through them, God grabs our attention to change our priorities & perspectives. David says: “Before I was AFFLICTED I went astray, but now I keep Your word….It is good for me that I have been AFFLICTED, that I may learn Your statutes….I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have AFFLICTED me.” (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75). Take comfort: Our painful interruptions in life are God’s providential afflictions!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 