He Corrects Whom He Loves

 

Maribel Ixcajoc Arevalo – National Director – CBN Guatemalay

 When my mother was widowed with seven daughters to raise, her only option was to discipline and reprimand us when we did wrong.  She carried it out in such a way that the end result was women who fear God and do good. In those times, when I was still very young, that discipline seemed very painful (especially having lost my father). However, very early in life, I understood that we needed her correction and it was always for love.

We also feel pain when the Lord corrects us for our sins and we do not want to face the consequences of our actions. But it is necessary, and believe it or not, everything is for love and to be recognized and legitimized as children of God.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all (Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV).

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 that we must renew our understanding to know the will of God: good, acceptable, and perfect. How then does one think that they can be renewed without being cleansed? How are you going to know the will of God for your life if you have not yet been purified, molded, and prepared for a new life of faith?

Let’s start from this point: God loves you and loves you just the way you are. You were created by Him in His image and likeness. To be used for His glory, you need that purification process, because there will always be areas in your life in which the Lord is working.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will have not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure (1 John 3:3).

Since the first day that God called me to serve Him at CBN Guatemala four years ago, I have experienced test after test, process after process, and correction after correction in a deep purification process. Although there has been no reprieve and I have experienced the most tribulation I’ve had in my lifetime, I want to share with you my personal and ministerial recommendations to help you face your purification process. Know and apply these four things:

1. God the Father loves you (see John 3:16).
2. Be thankful for the process, you are being turned into a better version of you (see James 1:12).
3. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, learn to be quiet and listen, even when it seems to take time. He is always speaking into your life (see Proverbs 8:32-34).
4. Pray without ceasing and ask for discernment to understand what God is doing (see John 10:27).

All of us in the CBN Guatemala office are encountering major difficulties. We recognize that we are going through a time of personal and ministerial growth as the body of Christ. The Lord has glorified Himself and blessed us to the fullest while we are being purified—so much so that we will not have enough life to thank Him for His favor. We’ve seen transformed lives and families, miracles of healing, provision, and restoration, among many other blessings happening in the lives of those we respond to as a ministry.

So, the next time you ask yourself, why me? I encourage you to fill yourself with joy and enthusiasm because your life will be changed by the love and mercy of God.

Though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:7 NLT).