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When I was growing up, my father disciplined me. Sometimes, that involved a spanking. I know, that’s out of fashion today. But my dad was not harsh. I always deserved it. I never remember him disciplining me in a rage. He wanted to teach me respect and consequences for breaking the rules.
I suppose it is also out of fashion to think about God as a father who disciplines us. But that is exactly what Hebrews 12:7-11 says about hardship. It says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 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.” (NIV)
Are you going through something difficult and painful? Remember that God loves you, even in the midst of tough times. He will use your experiences to produce righteousness and peace in you.
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.