Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
The rod of correction is much ignored by Christians as they take the message of grace to the extreme. God’s grace is not given so we can feel no conviction if we are living in sin, it is to show us His love through those times of wrong doing to persuade us back to the protection of right living. His word tells us that if we confess our sins that He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This scripture is after the cross and it is meant for all, not just some. Today’s acceptance of sin as “all right” is leading many to a life of compromise and weak spirituality. Yes, Jesus dealt with sin, but He didn’t deal with it so that we can live in it. He dealt with it so we can be free from it. God’s grace is His empowerment to overcome sin. On the hand not everyone’s battle with sin is the same. I can speak for myself that coming out of deep addiction and sexual abuse has placed me in a much greater battle than someone who has not come out of these things. That’s where God’s grace comes in. Everyone is need of grace and some more than others. The key is that every person that has ever been alive needs the mercy and grace of God in their lives. If you are one of those that has needed his grace in a less severe way than others have, then have that same grace on others. The bottom line is we ALL need Jesus!
His staff on the other hand is His word. When hopelessness knocks at the door, how do we walk through that? By taking God’s word that says,” trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God’s word becomes a staff to walk us through trials. When sickness knocks on the door, we walk through by knowing that by His stripes we are healed. When danger knocks on the door, we walk through it by knowing that He will hide us in His pavilion and we take refuge under His wings. When heartache knocks on the door we can walk through it by knowing that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter what you face at this time in your life, be consoled with knowing that His rod and His staff are there at all times to comfort us. He loves you so much.
There are countless people facing great storms in their life right now. Know that the God who calms the storms lives within you, so when the devil whispers in your ear,”you’ll never make it through this storm.” Turn around and tell him,”I am the storm chaser!” Don’t let his lying lips put fear in you. Continue on fighting with the understanding that your victory is assured! Always keep in mind that His rod and His staff they comfort you!
Pastor Michael Cannatello
Lazarusministry
