God has absolute power to rule over mankind and “his eyes behold the nations”. He is “our refuge and strength” and can readily provide help when we are in trouble. He is the one that keeps our soul alive, protects us and does not allow our feet to be moved. He is our help, and he preserves us from evil as we go about our daily lives. (Psalm 46:1; 66:7-9; 121:1-8; Matthew 6:13).
But trials for correction and chastening would occur when one transgresses, rebels or exalts himself against God and he is not pardoned or pitied the individual. (Lamentation 3:42; Psalm 66:7; Exodus 33:19; Psalm 51:1). Such transgression may include deliberate disobedience to God’s word or where one chooses to do their own will. God can allow one to be tried as silver is tried to prove you or bring you to reflect on your ways, where one has gone astray.
In such a situation, if one does not repent, God may allow you to be persecuted. For instance, he would hide his face from you and does not answer one’s prayers. He may make one to become as the “offscouring and refuse” among people and cause all your enemies to open their mouths against you. Fear, snare, desolation and destruction may come upon you. (Lamentations 3:42-47). Chastening trials are usually “grievous” and “sore” and none can redeem from the heavy hand of the Lord. (Hebrews 12:11; Psalm 118:18).
2.1. CHASTENING TO CORRECT INDIVIDUAL OR COLLECTIVE WRONG
Chastening trials may be in respect of an individual wrong or transgression, or collective responsibility such as on a nation including for transgression by leaders. In a chastening to correct the nation of Israel for instance, the psalmist recounts the God’s chastening thus : “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou [brought] us out into a wealthy place” (Psalm 66:10-12).
When King David erred in the conduct of a census of Israel which was forbidden to do, “ God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel” and “sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men” (see 1 Chronicles 21:1-14). Another example is of the prodigal son, the younger of two sons who left home and wasted his share of his inheritance on worldly pleasures; but was chastened to suffer lack and hardship until he repented and returned home to ask for his father’s forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32).
Brethren, we must consider the choices and decisions we make to ensure that they are righteous to avoid the chastening of the Lord, which may have implication also for our loved ones.
3. ENDURING THE TRIALS OF CHASTISEMENT
