May 5

Moments with God, May 5
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NKJV) You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. 1 Samuel 12:24 (NIV) 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
I have shared this before, so I will not go into detail. When I entered OSU, I was confident of my ability to succeed. I had made good grades, and I had been awarded numerous scholarships. I had conquered high school; I could conquer college. However, after two years of focusing more on enjoying my life instead of living my life, reality stopped me in my tracks. My grades were so bad I had to leave OSU for a year, at which time I could re-enroll with conditions. I was angry, ashamed, and lost. I had never encountered this trial before, and I had no idea how to move forward. I went to work for OSU because I was concerned that if I left, I would not return.
We are told many times that the Lord God will discipline or chastise us. “Chasten” means “to correct by punishment or suffering; to prune; to cause to be humbler or restrained.” “Discipline” is defined as “training that corrects molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” I had been thoroughly chastened when I was asked to leave college. It was all my fault, which made the situation even more damaging. Yet, over that year, I learned so much. I discovered I truly wanted to teach. I realized I was responsible for my actions. Nothing is gained without hard work. I stopped partying and ignoring my responsibilities. I had been humbled. Without realizing the Lord was by my side, I was reminded of all for which I was thankful. Samuel encourages us to consider what great things God has done for us, including the time we were not serving Him. When I returned to OSU, He opened a door for me that would allow me to reach my dream. He did that when I was not acknowledging Him in any way. When we are chastised or disciplined by our Father, it allows us to reflect on our lives. It gives us time to reflect on all the good He has done for us – good we did not deserve; good born of love. When we encounter setbacks, let us turn to our Lord for He is training us in the Way we should go.