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Girlfriends in God - Nov. 13, 2006
God’s Discipline
Today's Truth
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews
Friend to Friend
Today is probably not going to be one of your favorite devotions. It most likely will not be one you print out and stick on the refrigerator. But let’s tackle it together anyway.
Why do bad things happen? There is no easy answer. Is it God’s discipline, the devil’s deception, or the result of living in a degenerate fallen world? Each one of these is a viable option. Today we’re going to look at the one that makes us cringe…but remember, we’re girlfriends and we can tackle the tough questions together.
King David experienced God’s discipline when he disobeyed God and counted his fighting men after God clearly told him not to (1 Chronicles 21). As soon as the last man was numbered, David knew that he had displeased God and asked for forgiveness. God did forgive David, but David also had to suffer the consequences with very stern discipline of God.
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the LORD – days of plague in the land with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel” (1 Samuel 21:11-12).
This reminds me of the time my son was about ten-years-old and got caught for telling a fib. My husband gave him two choices for his punishment.
“OK Steven, you can have seven days without Nintendo and television or five swats with the paddle.”
Steven thought about that for a moment and replied, “Who’s going to give me the swats?”
Incredulous, I looked up and said, “Does it matter?”
My husband burst out laughing and said, “You bet it matters.”
I guess momma had a soft touch when it came to the paddle. (By the way, Steven chose the five licks…administered by dad.)
We don’t usually get to choose our discipline with God, but rest assured my friend, “whom the Lord loves, he disciplines.”
When Miriam gossiped about her brother Moses, and tried to usurp his authority, God struck her with leprosy and halted the progress of
The writer of Hebrews explains: “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews
No parent wants a child to misunderstand why he or she is being disciplined. The parent’s desire is character development. And so it is with our Heavenly Father. He’s a good parent…the best. He will make it clear.
Let's Pray
Dear Father, I don’t like discipline. I didn’t like it as a kid and I don’t really like it as an adult. However, I do know that just as I disciplined my child because I love him, You discipline me because You love me. Help me to recognize Your discipline when it occurs, receive it with a grateful heart, and change what needs to be changed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now it's Your Turn
Describe a time when you had to discipline your child? How did you feel?
How do you think God feels when He has to discipline His children?
When is a time that you have been disciplined by God?
What changes did you make in your life because of that discipline?
For more on today’s topic seeYour Scars are Beautiful to God- Finding peace and purpose in the hurts of your past by Sharon Jaynes.
G.I.G.
Girlfriends in God, Inc.
Matthews,
Web site: www.girlfriendsingod.com
Email: info@girlfriendsingod.com
