Training

God is a wise Father.  We, as children, need the patient and wise instruction and discipline of our wise God.  I often bristle at the word discipline.  I am afraid that things will happen that will be too difficult for me to bear.  But the discipline of our Father is the greatest expression of his love. He instructs and nurtures us for our good.  He knows what is best for us. 

May we with childlike, receptive and submissive hearts gratefully accept the work of our Father who so patiently and carefully trains us in the way we should go.  It may be hard and unpleasant at the time but understanding it as from his loving hand will give us the strength to endure. 

Thank you, Father, for your training. Give us listening ears and submissive hearts so that we might learn the lessons you are teaching us.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 

 As you endure this divine discipline,

remember that God is treating you as his own children.

  God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful!

But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living 

for those who are trained in this way.

Heb 12:5-7,10-11 (NLT)