I will rightly correct you, for I will not leave you wholly unpunished.(Jeremiah 46:28)
In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul tells us,”Therefore, that I should not become conceited, a thorn in my flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not become conceited.”
Whether we like it or not, God will allow some unpleasant and uncomfortable seasons and scenarios in our life. There is no building stength without opposition. God used Satan to buffet Job as well and out of it, Job was blessed abundantly after his testing. If we were never rightly corrected, we would never see our own errors.
God uses everything for His glory. All things work together for the good for those who love Him and He chastens those who He loves. What kind of father would allow their child to continue in a known course that would end up in death without the father correcting him? A bad one.
God is good and surely He has not held back the rod, but His mercy and love allows us to flourish out of adversity because His plans for us are for good and not evil. God doesn’t cause evil but He will use it for our good.
When His children live outside of His word, there are consequences and to be out of His word is to be out of His will. Many believe that God no longer disciplines His children because He disciplined Jesus on the cross for our sins. True, but let’s just use common sense and go back to the parenting aspect once more. If you witnessed your child doing things that would cause himself harm, wouldn’t you discipline him so that he would learn to do things differently? God does not want His children hurt and wounded, so He disciplines those that He loves. He guides them and directs them to safety. That is why God’s commands are so precious. We strive to obey God because we love and honor Him. Truly, Father knows best!
When we obey God, it keeps the enemy at a distance and the doors of our life remain closed to evil. When we are out of God’s will we are out of His covering which places us as an open target for the devil. He loves us too much to allow us to stray without correction.
God has set before you this day blessings and curses, life and death. Choose you this day life that it might be well with you.
Pastor Michael Cannatello
lazarusministry.com
