It seems like there is an epidemic among believers and unbelievers alike in our world today. It is an epidemic of quitting when adversity comes to any situation. Both of my grandmothers faced incredibly difficult situations when their children were young, and still growing up in their homes. They both lost their first husbands in very tragic ways. They both were left with multiple children and it was the time referred to in history as the Great Depression. They did not panic or throw up their hands! They put their hands to the work, and fought for their children and family.
Today I read some verses that really touched my heart, in a tough way, and a good way at the same time. Psalm 94:12-14 says, “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.” The tough thing is when God needs to chasten us, but the good thing is the result that chastening brings. While I never appreciated the spankings I received when I was growing up, I am extremely thankful for them today. They produced character in my life that I would not trade for the world.
I know it is difficult for a child to accept chastening, but I also know from experience that it is difficult for a parent to consistently chasten. For this very reason, many parents do not discipline their children consistently, or for a very long period of time. As a result, we see the chaos we are seeing in our world today. I can honestly tell you that when I was a boy receiving discipline, I didn’t feel very “blessed,” but I am definitely sure that much of the character I have in my life today came from consistent discipline. God loves His children more than my parents loved my sister and me. He is willing and ready to discipline us for our own good, and for the building of our character.
Here is the lesson I want to leave with you today. All of us need to “stick and stay” with the process of chastisement. None of us will like going through difficulties, but all of us will grow as a result of enduring these challenging times in our lives. Rather than expecting every day to be filled with rainbows and flowers, we need to realize that the greatest times of growth in our lives comes from the times in the valley, not on the mountain tops. Don’t fight against the Lord’s chastening, accept it, change, and become the man or woman of God that He wants you to become. God will never give up on His children! Praise the Lord!