Hello Mt. Vernon Church Family,

FAITH

READ HEBREWS 12:5-11

Some phases of our recovery may be very painful. We may feel that we are being punished for our failures. We may assume that bad things are happening to us because we are bad. And we may even begin to believe that God doesn’t love us.

It may hurt when God disciplines us, but this in itself displays his love for us. The Bible says: “‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline. . . . For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.’ As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who was never disciplined by its father? . . . God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11).

Recovery is a time of correction, a time of facing problems and character flaws and changing incorrect beliefs. There may be seasons when we do have to pay for our past. God will use these times to redirect our life toward something better. His correction isn’t arbitrary or abusive, but it is still painful. Knowing that God’s discipline demonstrates his love for us can be comforting in the midst of our pain. It helps to remember that his love will allow only that which is for our ultimate good.

This is an excerpt from Life Recovery Bible.

Blessings for our hope and our future!!!

Rev. Hazeline “Hazel” Jackson