“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.
When things go wrong in our lives we are apt to say, “God is punishing me.” But is this true?
Jesus has already taken the full punishment of our sins. Therefore, there is none left for us. God has appointed us to receive salvation, not punishment.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2:24)
Then why do bad things come into our lives? Let me give three reasons.
1. We live in a broken, fallen, sinful world and we will get our share of trouble. Jesus promised us this: “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus did not come to make us escapists but over-comers.
2. We have made some bad decisions and decisions have consequences. But God can and will redeem our failures if we give them to him.
3. It may be discipline coming from a loving father. Let’s think about this for a bit more.
What is the difference between punishment and discipline?
Punishment is administered by a Judge as an act of justice. Discipline is administered by a loving Father to help a child develop self-control, character and ability. It is an act of training.
Who loves his child more—the father who allows the child to do what will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help him learn what is right? Discipline may feel like punishment, but let us remember God’s discipline is a sign of his deep love for us.
“My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children.” (Hebrews 12: 5-7 Life Application Study Bible).
Father, I thank you that you love me enough to discipline me. I want to be a good learner.
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