God uses afflictions as a tool to reveal his power, to cause humility, to teach us lessons that we would never learn.

God afflicted Manasseh, Judah's wicked king. In his affliction he turned from idols unto the Lord, who delivered him out of his afflictions.

It is safe to say that people, churches, & out nation is in affliction and the only way for deliverance is repentance and turning to God.