The Psalmist says, "Blessed is the man whom Thou dost chasten, O Lord, and dost teach out of Thy law; that Thou mayest grant him relief from the days of adversity...for He will not abandon His people nor forsake His inheritance (Ps. 94:12-14). In another place he acknowlewdges "Your judgements are righteous, and in faithfulness Thou has afflicted me...it is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn your statutes (Ps. 119:71,75)."
Unfortunately, it's what it takes to change us. None of us are exempt. Noone can more skillfully apply the needed pressures to our lives, for the best results, than our heavenly Father. God's best men throughout scripture were lovingly shaped by His hand for His purposes and for their good. Remembering the necessity of this discipline and that it comes from our Father who has the best in mind, is so comforting.
Ken Gire in his book "Windows of the Soul" expresses this well in the following prayer:
Help me, O God,
To realize the role the wilderness plays
In my continuing education.
Thank you that even in the Wilderness there are windows,
Revealing what You want from me,
Showing that You care,
And clarifying, when I look back,
What You were doing in my life.
Thank you, God, for the wild and untamed theology
You have taught me in the wilderness,
And for the assurance that,
Though You are not "safe",
You are Good....
Thank you, Sir, for tutoring us and for your jealous guardianship over your own.
Be encouraged!
Mitch
