Discovery Journal

Justin T. - November 17, 2010

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 "Pain caused you to Repent and change your ways. It was the kind of Sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind in of Sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from Sin and results in Salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of Sorrow. But Worldly Sorrow, which lacks Repentance, results in Spiritual Death (Hell)."

Observation:

I remember as a kid I asked my Mom, "When you are bad, who gives you spankings?" I'll never forget her answer. She told me that either God can spank her or the world can spank her, and that you would always be better off if you allowed God to spank you! I never really understood what she meant as a kid, but now I see her words in light of this scripture. The purpose of the pain and sorrow we experience as children of God is to lead us away from sin and into salvation, because God is a loving father, and a loving father would never just inflict pain on his child unless it was for his/her ultimate good! When we repent or turn to God, we experience life by being in His perfect will. The world on the other hand is a cruel place and cannot lead you into life when you experience pain and sorrow; it can only mask the pain with addictions, self deception, false religions, etc., all which lead only to spiritual death.

Application:

Sorrow is inescapable in this life. So, that being the case, I will make the choice to experience only Godly sorrow by turning to God in my pain, knowing that He only has my best interest at heart! I know that to be disciplined by God is actually a mark of high honor because it says "I am a child of the King" because God only disciplines His CHILDREN.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for Godly sorrow which leads away from sin and results in salvation! Help me to always turn to You in the midst of my pain and sorrow. Amen.