Read 代下 2 Chronicles 32:1 through 33:25
How do you react to adversity? Can you think of a time when hardship or suffering changed your life for the better? How should you react to adversity?
It is easy to let hardship make us bitter, especially if that hardship or suffering touches our deepest needs or comes to someone we deeply love. Yet there is no rule written anywhere that says we must turn against God or seek revenge against those who hurt us.
Today’s reading shows a contrast in reactions to suffering. King Manasseh rebelled against his father Hezekiah’s example and led Judah astray. He paid a terrible price for that rebellion at the hands of the Assyrians. Manasseh learned from his mistakes; he repented and found favor with God.
His son, King Amon, never repented of evil and never turned his life toward God:
Unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the Lord; Amon increased his guilt (2 Chronicles 33:23).
Which will your choice be today? Rebellion or repentance?