There are murmurers among Christians today, just as there were in Israel's camp long ago. Some believers, when the rod falls, cry out against God's painful providences. They demand, "Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?"

A word with you, O murmurer! Why do you grumble against what your heavenly Father allows? Can he possibly treat you worse than you deserve? Remember what a rebel you once were—yet he pardoned you! So if he, in his wisdom, sees fit to discipline you now, how dare you complain?

Tell me honestly: are you suffering more than your sins deserve? Look at the corruption still lurking in your heart. Are you really surprised it takes this much of the rod to drag it out? Weigh yourself carefully. See how much dross is mixed with your gold. And you think the fire is too hot? You think God is overdoing it?

Doesn't that proud, rebellious spirit of yours prove your heart isn't thoroughly sanctified yet? Aren't those murmuring words contrary to the holy, submissive nature of God's children? Isn't the correction obviously needed?

But take heed—if you keep grumbling against God's discipline, it will go hard with you. God always chastises his children twice if they won't bear the first stroke patiently. But know this one thing: "He does not afflict willingly or grieve the children of men." Every correction comes wrapped in love, designed to purify you and draw you nearer to himself.

Surely it will help you bear the chastening with resignation if you can recognize your Father's hand in it. Remember: "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." So don't murmur as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer.