1st Kings 13:4-6- And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of GOD, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand , which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.

Prior to this passage king Jeroboam partakes in idol worship. God then chastises him by withering his hand, making it of no use. When the king repents, the Lord restores the hand. When we sin, sometimes the Lord chastises us, if we repent we may be restored. Simple lesson. I'm also thankful that God is long suffering, showing grace and mercy to us in abundance. Sometimes he gives us plenty of time to repent on our own without receiving a chastisement. May we all take advantage of the Lord's goodness.

Hebrews 12:11- Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteouness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Elder Ray Blanchard