“Surely you remember that I was sick . . . you took me in and cared for me.” GALATIANS 4:13-14
Why Affliction? Gal 4:13-14
Few will dispute that the apostle Paul is considered a spiritual giant in Christian history. From his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus to his historical missionary journeys to his significant contribution to the New Testament, Paul looms large. But as Paul saw it, his strength came not through his abilities and accomplishments but rather through his humility, weakness, and dependence upon Christ and the church.
When Paul first arrived in Galatia, he was battling an illness or disability of some sort. Scholars do not agree on the nature of Paul’s affliction mentioned in this text or if it was temporary or chronic. We do know that Paul required assistance from the Galatians and, in the end, his affliction turned out to be a tool that God used to draw these believers closer in unity and care for one another. Instead of despising or rejecting Paul because of his illness, they treated him with honor. Caring sacrificially for Paul cultivated a “joyful and grateful” spirit in them (4:15), affording them the opportunity to lay down their lives for one another (John 15:13). Paul’s weaknesses allowed the Word of God and his powerful Spirit to take center stage (1 Cor 2:1-5), resulting in changed lives and redeemed souls for eternity.
This text assures us that God does not waste our weaknesses, afflictions, and disabilities. He uses them for the good of the gospel and the unity of the church. This is why Paul could boast in his weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9) and why you can rejoice in your own limitations, sufferings, or disabilities. God will use you just as you are—not in spite of your life circumstances, but because of them. If you feel that somehow you are less than others, be encouraged: God may be forming you through affliction into a spiritual giant (Matt 19:30).
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