God is so good. He is constant. He is all-loving, all-knowing, all-merciful! He is God; His justice is perfect. His will is perfect. His ways are perfect. His timing is perfect. His discipline is perfect.
I am not consistent. I am not all-loving; I am not all-knowing. I am not all-merciful; I am not God. My justice, will, and ways are not perfect. My timing is not perfect. I often react instead of responding to any discipline, much less His discipline.
Thank You, God for reminding me of the right order of Your most holy will for my life. Thank You, God for “putting me in my place” when I need it. Thank You, God for never giving up on me and continually challenging and stretching me in my journey to You.
The school year is a busy season for me. Not just for my own family, but for a service I provide. It leaves me with less time than I would like to be still and listen for His still small voice that often guides me, comforts me, admonishes me, upholds me. This busy-ness leaves me with less time than I would like to devote to my husband and children and grandchildren, yet I know it is only a season. I also know that I am being trained and prepared to respond, not react, to whatever is in store on my journey in this world toward the next.
Since I am a slow learner and have a hard head, I am also in need of constant reminders and nudges, and sometimes, I am in need of a swift kick in the skirt! The lessons I receive, especially about remaining humble, can pierce my pride, and sometimes my heart. I know I need them, though. I know I grow “too big for my britches”, think prideful thoughts, and forget that only by the grace of God do I accomplish anything good in this life, even those gifts and talents that I may use to further His Kingdom here on earth.
Very recently, I was feeling pretty proud of myself for using my time and talent to guide young people to learn how to pray. It is not a bad thing to feel good about yourself for doing what God has called you to do, but I tend to go overboard, be just a little too prideful, take a little too much credit instead of giving God the thanks and praise for it all. Remember, God reads our hearts, and He was reading mine very clearly. He knew I was being prideful. Just hours later, He sent a reminder that “brought me down a peg” reminding me that I still have so much learning and growing to do!
It was a humbling experience of someone having to discuss with me a blatant shortcoming that was brought to light. This person showed so much mercy and love into that discussion that I knew it was from God. I know because God never condemns me to shame, but convicts me to improvement and growth. Although His reminders are gentle, they do still effect change! They prod me to examine my motives, to remember to give Him thanks and praise in all things, and to remind me that I am not God! I pray we all are loved so much by Him that He never ceases to discipline us.
Have you experienced God’s discipline? What were His reminders to you? Were you prompted to examine your motives, or change a course of action? Share your experience with others, for you never know who needs to hear it!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
