God is so much more to us than just another thing in our lives. He is our father. He is a present and concerned parent. He wants nothing but success for our lives. Just as any parent wants for their child. Our God is a great parent. In order to succeed we must be disciplined and accountable. It is through discipline and accountability that we become educated in His ways. This is also how we build up the ability to be resistant to the ways of the world. Our flesh is strong. He knows what we are up against. He is training us to walk tall and rebuff the harshness that we will endure. Just as Christ endured. Hardship is our discipline, but we can be grateful for every difficult thing we face.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Hebrews 12:4-8 NIV
Discipline is something to have great regard and gratitude for. It grows us in ways we would not have chosen to be propelled into. Learning to be grateful for correction as we grow from our earthly parents can be tough; however, when we receive it from our Father in Heaven we know it is all for good. Why wouldn’t we, “submit to the Father of spirits and live!” This way of life develops a contentness and peace that cannot be manufactured any other way. When we experience freedom from fear, worry and anxiety we will be convinced that being disciplined is required. It prepares us for bigger tasks and more difficult challenges. Thus, allowing us to do more for His kingdom. When we do not submit to discipline and allow it to do it’s work in us we will be unprepared for life. We will not be able to take on new challenges. It is better to receive the discipline we need and allow God to prepare us for what He has for us.
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 spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order 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 12:9-11 NIV
A Story of Being Disciplined:
I have always known that tithing was a good thing to do. However, I often felt like it wasn’t necessary. I would tell myself that I am generous and giving in so many ways. That should be enough. It was in June 2019 that I felt the spirit start to change my heart on this. I felt called to start tithing 10% each month.
It was a strange feeling. It felt calming, but also scary. This would be a lot of money. What I learned was that by tithing I was showing through action that that money was His. It wasn’t easy at first. I felt like I didn’t know how we do this each month. The sum seemed so big to just give away.
However, as time has passed it has taught me that it is not just the tithe that is His. It has taught me that everything I have is His. In just 2 ½ years it has completely changed my perspective on money and property. I don’t have worry or guilt surround this topic anymore. Anxiety never builds. I am able to release it all, because I know it is all His and not mine.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- Write down a hardship you have experienced or are experiencing now. How are you letting it grow and develop you?
- Think back to difficult times in your life. Do you have gratitude for them? Take this time to reflect and write down what those difficult times grew in you (ie. patience, love, resilience from worry, etc.)
