since each day’s entry on here comes from a previous journal entry from some time ago, there are days that i do not remember the context in my life at the time, and/or i had not yet begun marking down what i had read in the Scriptures that day (which i do now.) so, i can only take what I have here, and reproduce what i find. that being said, here’s another journal entry:

if it is a dreadful thing to be a sinner in the hands of God when He is angry, it can seem even more difficult to be a believer in the midst of punishment and not understand the methods God is using. the first person, the one who does not know God, is getting wrath and judgment and has earned it for themselves. There is no ‘buffer’ so to speak to keep this from happening. they sinned, they are reaping the consequences of that sin. plain and simple.

the second person, the believer, is used to God’s favor, but is now finding themselves in quite the opposite position. they also have sinned, have a better understanding of sin and God’s attitude regarding those bad choices, but they are not operating out of ignorance. they really should have known better, but made their choice anyway. this becomes willful defiance, which in place of bald faced ignorance, is much worse.

if my kids disobey because they do not know any better, then they will receive instruction and an understanding of our concern. if they willfully defy me, it becomes an entirely different matter.

Father, it is a mystery why the wicked are allowed to thrive as long as they do. are You simply letting their sin come to measure? are You patiently waiting for them to see the light? i don’t wish Your wrath on anyone, but would rather they extended their hands to get a large portion of the grace You freely offer everyone.

Father, help us to understand, even in the midst of our punishments, why You do what You do. help us to receive Your corrections with an open heart, and a humble spirit.

amen.