There is a kind of ache that comes when God disciplines us; when He closes a door we were sure was meant for us, exposes something in us that needs fixing, or allows a hard season that humbles us. It's not easy. In fact, sometimes it feels unfair or confusing. If we take a closer look, we realize that His discipline is never just about punishment. It's about love.
Hebrews 12:6 says, "For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." That verse hits hard, doesn't it? It reminds us that being corrected by God isn't rejection, it's confirmation that we belong to Him. A parent doesn't discipline a stranger's child; they correct their own because they care about their growth and well-being.
I can think of times when God's discipline looked like delay. I was frustrated, praying for things that didn't happen, only to later realize He was protecting me from something I couldn't see. Other times, it looked like conviction-that gentle but unmistakable tug in my spirit saying, "That's not who you're called to be." And if I'm honest, there have been moments where it looked like heartbreak, the kind that breaks down pride so God can rebuild character.
Discipline isn't meant to destroy us; it's meant to shape us. God uses it to prune away what's harmful, strengthen what is weak, and align our hearts with His. Just like a gardener trims a vine so it can bear more fruit, God trims our lives so His character can grow in us.
If you are in a season where God's discipline feels heavy, take heart! He hasn't abandoned you; He is refining you! The same hands that correct are the ones that comfort. His discipline is proof of His love and His desire to see you flourish.
God's discipline isn't something to fear, it's something to lean into. When He corrects, it's because He loves. When He withholds, it's because He protects. And when He prunes, it's because He's preparing you to grow. So instead of asking, "why is this happening?" maybe ask, "Lord, what are You teaching me through this?" You might find that His correction is actually one of His greatest expressions of love.
Much Love,
Beth
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