I would remember growing up that my mom would often say, “I am disciplining you because I love you.”
As a child, I would be confused.
“But mom, if you loved me, shouldn’t you give me everything I want? Why are you preventing me from getting the things I like which will add to my happiness?” This was how I would respond.
When I became a parent, I slowly started to understand what she meant.
But when I read certain verses from Hebrews, it made even more sense.
Reading through the book of Hebrews will give us a perspective.
You might ask, “How can hardship be an indicator of God’s love?”
“If God loves me, shouldn’t He always rescue me from tough times?”
An Act of Love
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)
As a father, God disciplines us to prevent us from hurting ourselves.
There is a way that seems right to a man but the end thereof is destruction.
If it seems that what you want you haven’t been getting, maybe there’s a greater reason. Though you may not see it at the moment, trust that He has something bigger in store.
Treatment As Children
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” (Hebrews 12:7)
There are times that hardship is discipline. When those moments come, remember that God is treating you as His son or daughter. He doesn’t only knows what’s best, He desires what’s best for you.
Painful But Productive
“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 12:11)
Discipline is never pleasant. I have yet to see a child request discipline from his parents. Our sinful nature has the propensity to push the boundaries and when caught, we are more sorry because of the consequences we receive rather than genuinely being repentant.
Discipline may not be pleasant. But in the end, we are harvesting righteousness and peace as we are being trained… even through the discipline process.
But remember this, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Because of this truth, we can be rest assured that He is at work though we may not see it at the moment.
