Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me. (Revelation 3:19-20)
Christian, do you ever wonder why God allows hard things to come into your life? Do you ever feel like you’re getting knocked around and you can’t figure out what’s behind it?
Maybe it’s Jesus, knocking on your heart to get your attention.
Don’t miss the obvious truth of this passage, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline.” If God never allows any pain into your life, either you are sinlessly perfect in all your actions and attitudes, or God doesn’t really love you at all.
Yet, don’t miss the incredible encouragement here, either.
When God disciplines us, it is never because He wants to push us away, but because He wants to draw us closer!
His correction is not condemnation. It is an invitation to greater intimacy with Him!
This is why the Psalmist David can exult, “Let the bones that you have broken rejoice” (Psalm 51:8), because every hurt is another chance to be touched by the hand of the Healer.
Don’t run from or fear the hand of God’s discipline. Embrace it, and as you do, let this truth fill your heart with hope.
God allows pain because you are precious to Him.
–Pastor Phillip
