BEING TAUGHT TO PROFIT

Every now and again, we are reminded of what God expects as an outflow in the life of any believer. Beyond the power to become his children, another thing God gave from the very beginning was the power to be fruitful. Thus, throughout the pages of scripture, whether through commendation, chastisement, trials or testings, the end goal was to bring forth fruitfulness- whether as physical outcomes or virtues that guided living.

Isaiah today introduces us to the teaching ministry of God, and with that, a clear declaration of the intended end goal of spending time in God’s classroom:

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48:17)

As a teacher therefore, the lessons God takes us through in life, are to profit – ‘to give us a head start, an advantage, to trigger improvement to build capacity and  to push us forward’. Because that is what profiting is. The ultimate assurance is that there is an “expected end” – They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11b)

You may be seated in the classroom of the Spirit presently, taking lessons that seem harsh for anyone to endure. However, as long as you are certain the teacher is God, buckle up and continue your lessons. It is for your profit.

#sly