One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; to the good, the clean and the unclean; to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner… Ecclesiastes 9.2

Everyone on Earth, regardless of their character or nature, faces afflictions. This happens because we live in a world where rebellion against God reigns. Though we may walk in obedience to the Almighty, we spend most of our day surrounded by people who are disobedient to Him, and their choices will interfere with the our lives. On the other hand, those who live far from God, besides being affected by the unrighteousness of others, are also unrighteous themselves. Therefore, the righteous and the wicked will face trials, for the simple reason that they both live in the same world.

The difference is not what happens to one or the other, but in the power that these events have in the life of one and the other.

The Bible affirms that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalms 34.19, meanwhile, evil shall slay the wicked. Psalm 34.21

Note that, though the righteous may have many afflictions, he is not harmed by any of them in the long run. On the other hand, one single misfortune can bring harm to the wicked so that their situation is as irreversible as death. Here we can again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. Malachi 3.18

Affliction does not have the power to destroy the righteous, since God Himself will deliver him. So, the effect is opposite: affliction makes the righteous stronger, more experienced and closer to God. But it has the power to destroy the wicked, because he cannot rely on the Almighty to deliver him, since he is indifferent to His Word and His Presence.

The effects that afflictions have in someone’s life show if he is righteous or wicked before God. A title, a position or a reputation may mask the true state of a person, but it will be noticeable before the difficulties he faces. If you have been delivered from your afflictions and become stronger with each one, God has spared you because He sees that you are a good and faithful servant. But if a single misfortune was or is causing you to waver, it means you are one step from hell, because you are living a life apart from the Commandments of God.

To face an affliction is not your choice – either way, they will be part of your life –, but it is up to you to choose to be delivered or destroyed by them, to be righteous or wicked before the Most High.