God’s Good Discipline

When we look at what is happening in our country, the loss of the religious freedom and the outright hatred and the persecution that is beginning for those of the Christian faith, we generally say it’s expected as we approach the End of Days.

But, what we don’t see is that this may very well be God’s disciplining us for our good, to get us to start doing what we’ve been called to do and quit taking for granted our faith and responsibilities.

The Bible says, “Do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:11-13 NIV)

God disciplines us, not to harm us, but because we are His children He wants to bring His best into our lives.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons … (therefore) submit to the Father of our spirits and live.” (Hebrews 12:7a, 9b NIV)

The writer of Hebrews says that while no discipline seems good at the moment, but when it is received and understood then it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Therefore we are to strengthen our hand and knees that have become weak through lack of prayer, and get back on the straight and narrow so that we can be healed, Hebrews 12:12-13.

While Isaiah was in the valley of vision he saw the people in a state of panic because of the judgment of God. Instead of confessing and repenting, they were living it up saying, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.” (Isaiah 22:13b NAS)

As we face this time in our nation of lost religious freedoms and hostility towards the Christian faith, let’s accept God’s discipline for our shameful treatment of His Great Commandment and Commission, and begin to humble ourselves, confess and repent, and seek the Lord with tears.