In the Bible, affliction is often presented as a teacher that refines and strengthens one's faith, as seen in Psalms 119:71, where the psalmist declares, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." This theme is echoed in Romans 8:28, which assures believers that God works all things, including affliction, for their good. Through affliction, Christians are able to develop perseverance and character, as James 1:2-4 explains, and ultimately, come to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and love, as exemplified in Psalms 23:1, where David trusts in the Lord as his shepherd, even in the darkest of times. By embracing affliction as a teacher, believers can experience spiritual growth and intimacy with God, transforming their suffering into an opportunity for sanctification and deeper faith.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God often teaches us the good way through affliction, as seen in the biblical account of Elijah, where drought was a means to bring Israel back to God. He suggests that our disappointments and pain may not be acts of wrath but rather expressions of divine love, guiding us
A.W. Pink emphasizes that God has graciously provided us with the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as our infallible Instructor, guiding us through spiritual truths and illuminating our understanding. He highlights that true comprehension of God's Word is a divine blessing rather than an intellectual