Ouch Lord! That Hurt!

 

Ouch Lord! That Hurt!
Mary Ann Wray-A Sister in Christ

No correction from the Lord feels good to the flesh when it is happening, but it is a "work of righteousness" in our lives as His children. It doesn't matter if you are 7 or 70, God corrects those whom he loves.

Chastening produces a harvest of peace and true spiritual blessings. When we submit to the Father's discipline, recognize it (it comes in various tests and trials) then repent of whatever sins and attitudes He wants us to get rid of, it results in more spiritual growth and maturity.

Here is what Hebrews 12: 3-11 says for your edification:

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears..."

So if you feel like things have come to a halt in your life, or you are experiencing new trials and tests look at it like the Father is after the gold in you. God is refined in the fire!

Look what chastening when endured produces!!

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and confidence for ever. And my people shall abide in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isaiah 32: 17-18