Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 2 Corinthians 7

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, a day set apart each year to remember those babies that have gone from our arms too soon.

In God’s providence, unaware of this date (or had it just not been established yet?) I had planned my own baby’s memorial service for October 15, 1998, because it was the one month anniversary of his passing. In today’s reading in 2 Corinthians 7, I was struck by verse 10.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

The greatest times of growth in my life have always come on the heels of the greatest griefs. Sometimes that grief has taken the form of physical and emotional pain – losing a baby, marriage and parenting struggles, financial hardships. Sometimes that grief has taken the form of spiritual pain, the result of grieving over my own past or present sin.

And yet, it is quite possible for that very same grief to turn us away from God rather than toward Him. The loss of a baby, the infidelity of a spouse, a wayward child, the recognition of our own sin, all of these things can drive us to doubt God’s presence or goodness.

This, I believe, is one result of what Paul here calls, “worldly grief,” grief turned inward rather than heavenward. We think God must not care for us if He has allowed such pain to enter our life, forgetting the profound wisdom of a mother who chastens her child for his good.

Do you find yourself today in the midst of an unending sea of grief? Cry out to God. Ask Him to rescue you by the mercies of His Son, Jesus, who came to Earth to seek and save the lost, who surrendered His own life that you might have the gift of eternal life.

Heavenly Father, I lift up the person reading this post. I pray that You will draw them into Your loving arms. I pray that You will chasten them like a wayward lamb, that they will come running through the narrow gate of Christ and find safety in the fold of forgiveness. You are so good. I am so thankful for Your righteous judgement and Your boundless mercy. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Good Shepherd and King, I pray. Amen.