Hebrews 12:9-16

Have you ever suffered sickness or troubles and realized that it was God Chastening you? Did you look for the lesson you are supposed to be learning? For me, the whole thing of getting cancer and losing my my wife to Divorce, being left alone, surely had a lesson in it, but I’ve not yet completely understood what it is!
He gave me a second chance, I know . .but what should I be learning? Maybe just that “He chastens those He Loves.” I have begun to learn that He wants to keep me close, safe in His Hand. Maybe that’s it but I’m not sure. I guess I’ll let this Takeaway Today be my prayer to God, “Please keep me close to You, depending on you to guide me. Help me to realize self pity is a trap and to look to you for joy in the difficulties of life and that they are designed to bring me into a more meaningful relationship with You. If You have another lesson for me, please reveal it to me and give me the humility/strength to accept it!
In Jesus’ Name I pray.
Amen.”