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As John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12, and many other verses promise us, we are guaranteed to experience suffering in this life. While many of these trials are allowed by God to grow our faith and perseverance, Proverbs 13:15 reveals that He also uses them to correct us by allowing the way of the transgressor to be difficult. As countless Scriptural accounts show, the consequences of living in sin often bring otherwise avoidable suffering into our lives.
We can expect this when we live unrighteously. Galatians 5:17-21 note that when we live according to our flesh's bodily lusts, unrighteous works such as immorality and anger will overtake our lives and hinder our ability to serve the Lord. Samson's life clearly portrays this in Judges 13-16, where he refused to deny his lusts for women and vengeance. Although God used him to severely judge the Philistines and liberate Israel from their control, Samson underwent tremendous grief from his immoral relationships and violent behavior. Furthermore, when he foolishly put his life in Delilah's hands, he found himself captured, blinded, and brutally enslaved by his enemies. Although these tribulations led him to repentance, he was left with no choice but to die alongside his enemies in one final act of obedience to God. Had Samson not wasted much of his life chasing his bodily lusts, he could have lived a longer, more fulfilling one without the hardships he brought upon himself. Samson's life is a clear example of how living in carnal disobedience to God can rob us of His blessings and needlessly multiply our sufferings.
Furthermore, unnecessary trouble can result from living in self-righteous rebellion. At the center of all our self-motivated decisions is pride, which often precedes failures and destruction as Proverbs 16:18 warns. This was seen in Jonah's life, where he, in a bout of self-righteous indignation, opposed the Lord's call to preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. So great was his prideful rebellion that he embarked on an outrageous sea voyage to escape God. However, after a tempestuous trip and three days trapped in a great fish's belly, Jonah repented and submitted to God's will. Nevertheless, Jonah remained indignant after the Ninevites repented, angrily expressing his desire for them to be judged for their sins. Humorously, God further exposed Jonah's selfishness by growing and killing a plant that provided him shade, causing Jonah to further resent the Lord and desire death. Had Jonah repented of his self-righteous attitude, he not only would have avoided his horrific experiences at sea but also would have rightfully rejoiced from God using him to bring thousands to repentance. Jonah's life reveals the unnecessary grief and suffering we bring upon ourselves when we choose soulish self-righteousness over Spirit-filled obedience.
Thankfully, by God's magnificent grace, there is a means of recovery for us when we find ourselves on the transgressor's treacherous way. This process of repentance and restoration is beautifully illustrated by the Prodigal son in Luke 15:17-24. First, the son came to his senses and realized how much better his life was with his father. Likewise, we must confess that God's will for and work in us is infinitely better than anything we could ever imagine or desire, as Ephesians 3:20 proclaims. Second, the son openly confessed that he did wrong and was unworthy of his father's mercy. So must our hearts be made prostrate before God, confessing our sins as 1 John 1:9 calls us to do. Finally, the son's decision led to repentant action, coming back to his father and purposing to serve him again. Similarly, Proverbs 28:13 promises that our genuine repentance will always be met with God's generous mercy. Thus, godly reflection, humble confession, and genuine repentance form the road to recovery from the path of transgression.
Though we are promised suffering for pursuing godliness in 2 Timothy 3:12, Proverbs 13:15 also promises additional hardships for those who walk in the way of the transgressor. Whether we travel it unrighteously or self-righteously, the result for continuing down this path will be miserable trials and painful losses that were otherwise avoidable. Thankfully, no matter how long and far we travel down this path, our heavenly Father unendingly remains eager for our return, ready to mercifully welcome us when the Spirit's conviction and our genuine repentance lead us back into His loving and ever-open arms.
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