- Sandra Franklin
- Apr 7
- 2 min read

Have you ever wrestled with certain passages of scripture? For years Psalm 119:71 created an internal tug of war. David's words, “It was good that I had been afflicted…” were almost incomprehensible, especially considering my natural inclination to avoid pain. How can something hurtful ever be good?
At some point, we experience struggles. Either we do what God never intended or trouble inevitably intersects our path. David was no exception. Even though he was a “man after God’s own heart” he had a particularly memorable misstep. - 2 Samuel 11-12
Not too long ago I was faced with a trial that was far from a momentary set back. It came out of nowhere. Things shook, shattered and lingered… Lord did they linger!
Difficult seasons have a way of unearthing our weaknesses. They are a purifier of sorts, exposing aspects of our lives we’re either unaware of or choose to hide. Yet if we’re open, they can introduce us to the character of God.
The night season highlighted portions of God’s word I’d never seen. Scriptures I previously read with no real connection became my life line. God even revealed areas I hadn’t relinquished to His Lordship. It was tough.
I desperately wanted things to change. But instead, I experienced the presence of God. He sat with me in sorrow and watered my parced soul, As I waited, it became apparent that rushing to the other side of pain wasn’t the prize. The real treasure was knowing and trusting God.
After stumbling over the first portion of Psalm 119:71, I eventually noticed the words “so that”. This little phrase urged me to reflect on the previous statement. Then I realized the good hard truth. Suffering paves the way for a deeper walk with the Lord. God wasn't leaving me without hope. He was forming His character in me and drawing me closer.
While I’d never choose to revisit that season. I cherish the lessons learned. Had I not been broken, I wouldn’t know God as healer. Had I not been surrounded and out numbered, I wouldn’t know Him as defender and deliverer. His greatness was no longer something I read about in someone else’s story. He crafted my own testimony as I traveled the road of difficulty.
Admittedly, it has taken a long time to come to the same resolve as David. But today I can say without hesitation. “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” Psalm 119:71- 72 NIV
I hope you're able to say the same.
Your Sister Friend,
