2 Corinthians 7:9-11

“Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss.  Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.  And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart.” – 2 Corinthians 7:9-11(MSG.)

This, is my favorite verse of all time. I might have said that before but this one is legit. This verse is talking about, letting what you go through draw you and bring you closer to God, not farther away from him. So let’s talk about this. I’m going to pick it apart.

“Now I’m glad – not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around.”

Jarred: verb- to have sudden or unpleasent affect on the feelings and/or nerves.


How many times have you been going through something and you either already know or you come to a realization that you’re slipping from God. You’re letting the devil get wrapped up inside your mind and in your heart. That’s kind of a scary realization, isn’t it? You realize like, what have I been doing? What have I let myself become, believing these lies that have been put into my mind in my heart. You can make a decision in times like these. You can turn to God, give him your heart and everything it holds, and you can full heartedly trust in him. And trust that he will bring you through this hard time no matter what else happens. How are you going to handle the situation. Are you going to let the distress drive you to God. Let it. Let it draw you closer to him. Let it make you want more of him, need more of him, and desire more of him. “The result was all gain, no loss.”

“Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of Salvation.”

It gets us back on track with God. Back on the path he paved out specifically for us. It keeps our minds and our hearts set on that path and the new opportunities and experiences and lessons that come with each step along the way. It keeps us focused on him. Living for him.

“We never regret that kind of pain.”

Maybe, in order for you to be walking on that right path, walking in the way of salvation. Maybe that means giving something or someone up. Guys, I know that’s a hard thing to do but I can’t stress enough how great it is in the end. When you realize what you gain from it, it’s so worth it. It is so worth it.

“And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you to God?”

Goad, goaded: something that encourages, urges, or drives; a stimulus.

Distress that drives you to God. It really is wonderful. Although it may be a hard time, and a struggle to get back to where you need and desire to be, it’s so worth it. You won’t look back at all the things and people in life who have hurt you, or done you wrong, or got you into bad situations. Nah. You’ll look back and you will praise the Lord because you wouldn’t be where you are today without him. You wouldn’t have learned from your mistakes. You wouldn’t have grown in Christ. You’re not going to regret it. It’s worth it. And Gods going to help you through it. And don’t ever forget that.

I hope everyone has a spectacular day today (: Love you guys.