Read
Hebrews 12:6-7, “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 children. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
Think
“Faith, trust, and a little pixie dust.” Sounds great, right? Peter Pan is the ultimate kid. But if life was so carefree in Neverland, why were all those boys so lost? Why did this magic place that seemed so great for a moment lead nowhere?
So, who do you think had it right when it comes down to it all? The boy so intent on remaining in Neverland or the girl, Wendy, who realized that life was about something greater — maturity and growth? She understood that childhood is great, but lack of adherence to God’s instruction leads us astray.
Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s a byproduct of God’s disciplinary measures for those He loves. He disciplines and chastens those, once lost and now found, who disobey Him so they can experience His amazing purpose for their lives.
Rejoice! You have a God who loves you too much to allow you to keep going down the path of disobedience. If you’ve been pursued by His grace, then you know that Neverland is never the answer. But godly discipline sets us on course to live out His best here and now for the reward that we’ll someday receive in His unimaginably great Forever Land!
Act
Remember that God disciplines those He loves whenever you endure the consequences of your disobedient actions. Accept it as part of His training that will help you fulfill His purposes for your life and someday lead you into His “Forever Land.”
Pray
Dear Lord, I love You and seek to remain obedient to Your commands. Guide my heart and mind towards the wisdom and growth that can only happen when I place my total trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.