Introductory Thoughts
Even though God’s motive and desired outcome of chastening both prove to be a blessing to believers, believers do not always react properly to the chastening hand of the Lord. Some respond to God’s chastening by becoming bitter against the Lord, frustrated that they are reaping what they have sown. Others respond by becoming weary from the pressures of the process of chastening. Yet others might respond by running away from the things of God once they realize that God wants them to grow beyond their present level of Christianity. None of these are the proper reaction to chastening. The only proper response to chastening is given in Revelation 3:19: “be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read Isaiah 26:16. Chastening helps us to turn back to the Lord and be sorry for our sin. Consider Davids attitude. He admitted his sin (Psalm 51:1-3); he did not want to do it again (Psalm 51:10); he wanted to teach others not to sin (Psalm 51:13).
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(For everyone): What happens if we have the wrong response to Gods chastening? How could it actually yield additional measures of chastening?
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How do you initially respond to chastening? Do you find yourself offended that God would chasten you? How long does it take for you to decide to repent and conform to Gods plan for your life?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you respond properly to chastening.
- Ask the Lord to help you desire His will for your life.
Song
TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE
