In my Focus on the Family bible study that I am working on, this morning it was about repentance and godly sorrow. As most believers, I have grapled with sin in my life and how to deal with it. Of course, the answer is right in God's word, if I had bothered to look for it. In 2 Corinthians 7, God tells us just how to deal with sin.
...but because the pain caused you to have remorse and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death. Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such readiness to punish the wrongdoer. You showed that you have done everything you could to make things right. (vs 9b-11 New living translation)
Paul had sent a letter to the Corithians to expose their sin, and this was uncomfortable for all of them, including for Paul. They needed to rebuke in order to grow. I can apply this to my life in being sure that I have repentance for my own sin and deal with it correctly. But I can also have respect for those in authority that sometimes have to use discipline in order to see true repentance toward God in someone's life. This is more truth about God.
The next thing that I read this morning was from Proverbs. I am reading the Proverb that goes along with that day of the month, so today I read Proverbs 16. I would encourage anyone to make a habit of reading the Proverb of the day. I don't always know what to do and I must depend on God to give the answer, either through a peace with prayer, with wise counsel, or under direction from authority. This verse gave me assurance today.
Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
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2 comments:
Sandy,
I want you to know how much I admire how you have handled your trials over the past month. I am so glad to read your blog and get a glimpse into your spiritual journey. . .wow. God is just AMAZING! I appreciate the way you have responded to Him, and the way you have allowed Him to work in your life through this adversity. You have been a true inspiration to me.
Isn't it amazing the grace and comfort the Lord gives when you need it so badly? I reflect on times that has happened in my life, and I think of a gorgeous embroidered cushion that symbolizes the glorious comfort He gives us! It's like Jesus calls to us and says "I'll be your cushion! Just rest in Me! I am soft and beautiful, and you can't bear anymore, so I will give you rest!" He is such a wonderful God!
Isn't it amazing that God is both good AND wise? This means that his best gifts often look very strange, and not good. They come to us in pain and suffering.
I've not suffered much in my life -emotionally or physically - but what little I have tasted has taught me that this is true: Whatever gives us more of God is a gift. I'd rather have more of God by enduring pain, than less of God while enjoying comfort.
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