Discipline

    Sometimes, when we start going through tough times, we forget that God is NOT shocked by our predicament. He's not caught off guard when we are in a storm. He's not wondering why/how we are in a wilderness. We are quick to say stuff like "the enemy is messing with me", or "Satan sure is busy".

     Read the story of Jonah (Jonah 1:4-5),  or Moses and Aaron (Ex 4:27), or the Israelites (Ex 13:18), or Jesus even (Mark 1:12, Matt 4:1) and get a fresh perspective. See who leads these people into a storm, or desert, wilderness, or valley. There are other examples too. Paul, Abraham, of course, the disciples, John the Baptist. It really does go on, and on.  

    STOP giving Satan credit, for how God is choosing to grow you, stretch you, maneuver you into a place for a blessing, to teach you, and love you. Love??? Yes, love (Heb 12:6). A good parent disciplines their child. So of course, God being our Father and being the perfect parent, disciplines us.  

     We like to only think of God as loving. Rightfully so; God is love, yes! But not exclusively so. God is also a just God (Gal 6:7). Now, if after all of the scriptural evidence here you still feel that it is impossible that some of what you go through is God moving, see the alternative (Heb 12:8). 

     I don't want you to feel like or think that God causes your trouble. That's not the case. However, He certainly is aware of it, and in fact, allows it to happen; as with Job (Job 1:8-12). God is Sovereign, and therefore in total control of what does and does not happen.

     The next time you find yourself in a storm, or wilderness, or valley understand first that God loves you. Then ask the Lord to show you why you are there. Is it to wake you up like Jonah? Is it to kill off things or people as with the Children of Israel? Is it to prepare you for ministry as with Jesus. Or, maybe it is to discipline you. 

We love you, and we are praying for you. 

-SALT, Dr. McGinty, Pastor

Sis. Pinky's Prayer: 

Gracious and eternal God, thank you for our valleys and storms! Give us understanding as we go through unpleasant times so that we may see Your Movement and the purpose of the situation. We know that you chasten those whom you love, and that ALL things work together for good!

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen