No parent is perfect. We’ve all made mistakes at times when we were disciplining our children (some of them embarrassing ones)! I’m always reminded of this when I’m watching NFL football on television… (Have you noticed how the officials always seem to penalize the 2nd guy – the one who retaliated to the player who started the fracas?). It’s a testimony to God’s help and grace that our children turn out ok and do not have deep emotional scars, given the imperfection of our parenting skills! Let’s face it, we’re not perfect or consistent in our discipline as parents (working on it, … but not perfect!) Apologies for mistakes made to my children go right here!!
But I know someone who is perfect in His discipline! Our Heavenly Father! I read the following words this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” and paused to offer Him thanks for His purposes in my life!!
“Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. BUT GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS ALWAYS GOOD FOR US, SO THAT WE MIGHT SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:10-11 NLT)
I may not understand what He is doing in my life (I probably won’t)! I may protest, complain and even disagree! But His purposes are good, His plan is perfect, and His motives are pure!
I am reminded this morning of what the Lord told His people in the Old Testament as they entered 70 years of painful discipline for their sin and rebellion… “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 19:11) I’ve just got to believe that… God said it!!
Coffee With The Lord 