Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In leading us to seek God in prayer
The Israelis cried out to the LORD, because of his 900 iron chariots. Jabin oppressed the Israelis forcefully for twenty years.
"I've certainly heard Ephraim shuddering with grief as they said, "You have disciplined me, and I'm disciplined like an untrained calf. Restore me, and let me return, for you are the LORD my God.
The LORD did what he planned. He carried out his threat. Just as he commanded long ago, he has torn down without pity; He let the enemy boast about you and has exalted the power of your enemies. Cry out from your heart to the Lord, wall of fair Zion! Let your tears run down like a river day and night. Allow yourself no rest, and don't stop crying. Get up and cry aloud in the night, at the beginning of every hour. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord! Lift up your hands toward him for the lives of your children, who are fainting away at every street corner.
Therefore I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I even I will tear them to pieces, and then I will leave. I will take them away, and there will be no rescue. "I will leave and go back to my place until they admit their offense and seek my face. When affliction comes to them, they will eagerly seek me."
Backsliding » Afflictions sent to heal
"I will leave and go back to my place until they admit their offense and seek my face. When affliction comes to them, they will eagerly seek me."
Confession of sin » God requires
"I will leave and go back to my place until they admit their offense and seek my face. When affliction comes to them, they will eagerly seek me."
When a person is guilty of one of these things, then he is to confess whatever sin it was