No parent is perfect. We’ve all made mistakes at times when we were disciplining our children (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 (we’re working on it, … but we’re 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 “coffee with the Lord” and paused to offer Him thanks for His purposes in my life!!
For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but [our Heavenly Father] disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:10-11 ESV)
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 very painful discipline – as exiles in Babylon… “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!!
Coffee With The Lord 