Hebrews 12:7-13

⁷Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! ¹⁰They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No 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.

¹²Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

¹³“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 

God, the Perfect Parent  

Looking back on our parenting years, there is one particular moment that lingers in memory. It was the day of our twin daughters’ 5th birthday. Right before the celebration, one of them had a huge melt-down, and decided she didn’t want to celebrate her own birthday. It was not an easy decision to impose “time out” on that day - but we did it. After some minutes of quiet time, she was back to herself. Later that night, before bedtime, we were greeted with the brightest smile: “Papi, Mami, this was the best day ever! I’m so happy.” 

We often reflect on that tense moment of “birthday time-out”, the entire day was planned, every detail, family and friends, so much joy and happiness awaiting - but the little mind could not comprehend, she could not see the beautiful day ahead, she only understood what she could see right at that moment. 

How many times have we behaved exactly the same way, in front of God. He has the perfect plan laid out for us (Jeremiah 29:11), but we, with our little minds, don’t understand what we can’t see. 

Disciplining is not merely a punishment for bad behavior; it is training in righteousness from a heart of love. Our heavenly Father knows what’s best, and sees more than any earthly parent can see. He is the perfect, loving, and wise parent. He disciplines for righteousness’ sake. He sets up boundaries for our protection. He already knows the perfect plan he has for us, and he wants to take us there … through all the training.  As George MacDonald said, “He regards men not as they are merely, but as they shall be.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us in the times of your discipline. Help us to learn to trust you, with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding.

Draw us close to you, as your true sons and daughters.