School of Faith by David Jeremiah

Monday, July 9 School of Faith    My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.  Proverbs 3:11-12    Usually, the trials and chastening we experience are directed at us. But other times, we suffer the results of chastening directed by God toward others. That may not seem fair, but God is there to meet our needs even when we suffer from the result of others’ actions.

Recommended Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-6

That happened to the prophet Elijah. The northern tribes of Israel were deeply involved in idol worship and refused to repent. So God sent Elijah to King Ahab and warned him that rain would cease upon the land. That meant streams and springs would dry up, resulting in no agriculture or livestock. In short, a drought means no food for man or beast. As food dwindled in the land, God directed Elijah to set himself apart by a brook in the Cherith Ravine. There Elijah drank from the brook, which later dried up, and ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. The drought wasn’t Elijah’s fault and God provided for him until it was over. Chastening is a school. Whatever its cause, God will use it to build our faith in Him. God’s house of correction is his school of instruction.  Thomas Brooks