Fear No Fear

“Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7, MEV). God doesn’t send bad things our way (James 1:17). But He IS righteous. He IS holy. When we are not those things, we get corrected. That correction can be gentle, but it can also be firm. Do not think that God’s love and joy over us means He lets things slide. He does NOT do that. But when we ARE corrected, it isn’t judgment. It isn’t an ATTACK against us. It isn’t a smite waiting to happen. It is discipline. Loving discipline. EVERYONE disciplines. Some with spankings, some with fines, some with restrictions, some with jail time, and some by being fired. It all depends on WHO is disciplining and the ARENA in which the discipline happens. God is our FATHER and disciplines us to guide us. To make sure we are obeying and keeping Him in His rightful – and deserved – place. Not for HIS sake, but for OURS. How can He help us as a stranger? Is it as effective as a Father? Of course not. The closer we are and the more we listen to and obey Him, the more help we are open to. The more encouraged we can be. The freer we can become. If we endure the discipline that ONLY comes when WE stray, how much better our lives will be? He loves us too much to leave us stepping out of the line from His blessing and our calling. Don’t fight it. Accept correction. Get back on course. Walk WITH Him. Cooperate WITH Him. Let His LOVE help you. It is worth it. It works. It is the way things should always be. And if you listen, you will never regret it.