“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.’”
Hebrews 12:5-6
Corrections
I had no business being in that store on that particular day. I had errands to run for my family and a very specific budget. Also, I know myself. I know that if I am standing in front of all of the pretty makeup, I will want to buy it, no matter how much makeup I already own. Temptation often comes when we are somewhere we are not supposed to be. So that day, I left the store with five extra products and a guilty conscience. I was not happy. On one level, I was excited to try these items. But on the other, my soul didn’t feel as light as it had before I entered the store. It was as if these five items were chaining me down.
As the week went by, I couldn’t shake the anxiety I felt every time I looked at these products. I assumed that over time, my guilt would fade. It didn’t. That Sunday night, I woke up with a strong sense that God was speaking to my spirit. He said, “I want you to take those things back. They have too much of a hold on your heart.” It wasn’t about the makeup. It was always about my heart.
Wouldn’t you know, but instantly after hearing these words, while it was still the middle of the night, I already felt lighter? Already I felt peace and joy restored. My soul wanted to laugh with the relief. This is how the correction of God feels, I think. Instead of shaming us, it sets us free. We may not enjoy the discipline, but the peace it brings is incomprehensible.
And so on a rainy afternoon, I went some place that was completely out of my way to return the items. Was it embarrassing? Yes! I don’t like to return anything! I feel like the store employees are judging me! But it also set me free.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
God’s discipline is done in love. He is the author of truth, and when He tells us something true, even when it is hard to hear, it sets us free. I didn’t even realize it, but the chains on my soul were stopping me from being able to continue in the ministries that God has called me to. Wouldn’t you know that after I corrected my wrong, I was able to properly perform my ministry again?
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You love us too much to leave us as we are. If You are correcting us, it is because we are Your children. In Your Name, Amen.”