Job 5:17(NLT)
“But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but His hands also heal.”
Like many four-year-old toddlers, my daughter wanted something that she couldn’t have. When I told her this, she cried uncontrollably for the longest time. She didn’t understand why I refused to cooperate with her plans and then proceeded to put her temper tantrum on full blast. Because of my deep and abiding love for her, it was important to me that she know why she couldn’t have the thing that could potentially harm her. When she calmed down, I explained. I had to demonstrate that if I allowed her to do what she wanted; it would result in a consequence that wouldn’t feel good. The next morning, she was still a little upset with me, but I knew that I had given her the correction to make better choices in the future. This is what our Heavenly Father does for each of His children.
The wisdom of Proverbs 3:11-12(NLT) tells us, “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” God corrects us because He loves us. He desires that we live according to His wisdom so that our lives are pleasing to Him and fulfilling and pleasing to us as well. Our behaviors and attitudes can sometimes get out of pocket, and we forget that there is always a price to pay for that. Our lives can be severely paralyzed and stuck in neutral because we are refusing God’s correction. Many of the hiccups and circumstances we’re currently facing in life is because of this.
2Timothy 3:16(NLT) teaches us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” The Word of God teaches us the truth, and it also corrects us when we’re headed down the wrong path. So, we must understand that God’s correction is a very important part of the Christian life, and it’s a requirement for our spiritual growth and maturity. Often, we don’t recognize this until we make a drastic mistake that lands us in heartbreak and disappointment.
Lamentations 3:25(NKJV) says, “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” Many of us are not waiting on the Lord’s instruction and guidance, but instead, we take matters into our own hands. We jump into relationships and fall in love way too quickly. We’re too willing to give over our everything in the relationship when we haven’t even heard from the Lord. This can be a devastating mistake; one we can avoid by trusting God and leaning only on His direction and wisdom.
The best gift we can give to ourselves is to listen to God and don’t make a move without His greenlight. Often, we only realize God’s correction through the consequences of unwise decisions. The best option, though, is to read and study His Word so that we understand and trust His wisdom. We allow the wisdom of God’s Word to govern our lives. Hebrews 12:6-7(ESV) teaches us, “6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 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?” Thank God for His discipline and chastisement, because it produces stability, structure, and responsibility in us so that we’ll have the spiritual strength to steward and maintain the blessings that He brings into our lives. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“Corrected by God”, written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and K. Stephens for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2023. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!