Discipline Training!

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Nearing the ripe old age of nine, our little man — Ovadiah (Isn’t it amazing how fast time flies?), has quite a mind of his own lately.  The glory days, when he used to be happy with wherever we were going and whatever we were doing — hmmmm…those days seem to be over. Now he has his own agenda. He wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it and boy, don’t even think about getting in his way! Why is he suddenly behaving this way? We think it is maybe because he is maturing. And as he grows in ability, he grows in his desire to act upon that ability. He wants the right to do the things he has become able to do. But he needs accountability. He needs direction. He needs guidance. He needs boundaries. His will and his life need to be shaped by his loving parents. He may not appreciate the boundaries and discipline but deep down, I believe he knows it’s because we love him that we do it.

In the same way, we are growing in gifting and calling as we walk with the Lord. We were created to be mature, responsible, accountable people who operate freely and powerfully in the gifts and abilities our loving Father has given us. But we too need guidance, boundaries, discipline. We must strive to know God deeply and to understand His direction for our lives. We must love His discipline and accept it humbly. Because He knows what’s best for us.

Are you feeling discouraged or frustrated about you gifts and your calling today? How and when will I be used, Lord?! Let’s lay it all out before the Lord today…our gifts, our abilities, our desires. And let’s ask the Lord to tame us and to shape us for use in His Kingdom. He wants to use us but we must be made ready for His use! There’s so much work to be done!