(This is the conclusion of my recent study
on overcoming bitterness. I pray it is an encouragement.)
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If
ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son
is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But
if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye
bastards, and not sons. –Hebrews 12:6-8 (KJV)
Trials and the problems of life often cause people
to become bitter. These trials may include sickness, death, depression,
broken relationships, family conflicts, day-to-day stress and pressure,
and anything else that causes us pain. Frequently people become
angry with God because life is not turning out as they had planned.
This will lead to bitterness as well. Rather than get angry with
God, a better approach is to seek to learn what the Lord is trying to
teach us. God will make us stronger in our trials if we trust
in Him.
These verses (6-8) remind me of how the Lord has
taken me to the woodshed many times by convicting me of something in
my life that was not quite right. This is the Lord’s way of
reminding me I am His child. If God did not chastise me, do you
know what that would make me? I would be an illegitimate son (v
8). The King James Bible uses more colorful language, but the
point is clear. God’s chastisement reminds me I am His child.
God moves, acts, works, and convicts for my benefit according to His
will and purpose for my life. This is something I have held to
for a long time and it goes hand in hand with Romans 8:28, which says,
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
The trials we face are an “all thing” according
to the Word of God, and if we are in His will, we are blessed and strengthened.
If all things work together for the good, and they do, then God will
work it all out to His glory and our benefit. Do not allow bitterness
to rule, but rather be lead by the Spirit of God. The Bible says
in Ephesians 5:18, “Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with
the Holy Spirit.” Similarly, do not be overcome with bitterness,
but be filled with the Spirit of God, and seek to overcome in Jesus
Christ.
The high call of God in Jesus Christ is walk in victory,
not defeat.
God bless you today.
