The Chastening

Hey Guys!

It’s been a while. I’ve been trying to find my footing in the midst of all the recent changes I’ve undergone, but I’m back, and I have a message for you all.

Tonight, during my Bible study time, as I flipped through my Bible in search of a chapter to read before bed, Proverbs 15 is where I found myself. What grabbed my attention were a few inserts associated with chapters 14–16, one being “God Answers Difficult Questions.”

As I began reading through the Word, the word “correction” stood out. Throughout this chapter, in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, it’s stated quite a few times:

“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” (Proverbs 15:5)

“Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.” (Proverbs 15:10)

“Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.” (Proverbs 15:12)

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31)

“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32)

I believe that the Word of God reveals the mind of God, and therefore, should be received as the authoritative voice of God. And what I’ve learned over the years is that when God speaks a thing twice—two times—which is the number 1 with its witness, making 2, we are to slow down and listen. But when the Lord speaks a thing five times, I’d interpret that as His sufficient grace at work. It’s as if He’s saying, “I really don’t want you to miss what I’m saying.”

In Proverbs 15, correction is associated with life and wisdom. But let’s not miss this very important detail: the receptivity of the correction. Correction that is not received is no correction to the intended recipient at all and, according to Proverbs 15:10, leads to death.

Let’s go a little further…

When you hear the words “discipline” and “correction,” it may trigger some unhappy memories from your childhood, or in some cases, even your adulthood. But I’m here to provide some truth regarding correction that is both orderly and, as a result, fruitful in the life of the recipient.

Throughout Scripture, we are taught the truth about correction, what it says about God, and what we mean to Him. The NIV says:

“The Lord disciplines the one he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:12)

“The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” (Hebrews 12:6)

“If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” (Hebrews 12:8)

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

According to Scripture, correction does not communicate God’s anger toward you, but instead, His immense love for you.

Because God loves you, He corrects you. I’ve found that correction might just be one of God’s most profound expressions of love within our lives. It says, “I love you too much to leave you in something or a state that is detrimental to your soul.”

It communicates that you belong to Him, and He refuses to let the enemy have who He’s called to be His very own. That’s a love that’s beyond our understanding, a love that would allow you to sit in a moment of anger toward Him if it meant that eventually, it would lead to both your understanding and salvation.

Let’s kill the misconception altogether: correction or discipline is not the result of condemnation. For the Word reminds us that Christ did not come to condemn us (John 3:17), but in order that we might be in right standing with our Savior.

This is why Proverbs 15 associates one’s willingness to receive correction with wisdom. That individual understands that through correction comes an expression of God’s love and the unfolding of His prosperous plans for their future (see Jeremiah 29:11).

To go back to the beginning of the post, the insert that caught my attention, “God Answers Difficult Questions,” included many of the questions we’re tempted to ask God in times of trouble. I won’t add them all here, but in correlation to the purpose of the insert and today’s topic of correction, I want to say this: it’s okay to ask God the hard questions.

I can imagine that if you’re experiencing God’s correction and/or discipline, you might have many questions for Him, or maybe just the main universal one: “Why?”

Why you? Why now? What’s the reason for this season?

I encourage you to ask. But ask in a way that is fruitful. Something like this:

Lord,

I won’t pretend to understand why You’ve allowed me to end up where I am today, but I know that You are sovereign, You love me, and You have my best interest at heart. For that, I thank You.

I come not to challenge Your sovereignty, but to come into agreement with Your plans for my life in this season. Empower me to remain strong, persistent in hope, and faithful in prayer. Lead me in the way everlasting, and if You are willing, reveal to me what it is I am to get out of this trial.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God bless you all, and I hope this was a blessing to you.