December 9 • Transformed by Judgment

God’s judgment is not meant to destroy us. It is meant to destroy the things within us that keep us from God. Insecurity cannot handle the pressure of judgment. Pride cannot stand being called out. Selfishness cannot stay when there is no more selfish gain. And God only knows how beautiful our lives will be when those things disappear.

 The judgment we normally experience brings division, not unity. It makes enemies, not friends. But God’s judgment calls out the division within us to bring unity to us as individuals. God’s judgment brings clarity to the confusion. It brings light into our darkness. Through it, we can finally see what is truly good and evil, right and wrong- even when it pertains to our hearts.

 We can give up or give in, but we cannot escape God’s judgment. We can push it away or keep it at arm’s length, but that will only keep us living in fear. Welcome the judgment of God. Hear God’s truth. God does not desire your downfall. God wants you to be at peace, strong, and capable of doing the things you’ve been given to do. 

 Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’“Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength.” [Isaiah 45:21-23]