Menu
Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) 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.
Discipline is not the same as punishment. Punishment is inflicted for retribution or vengeance for an offense committed. But discipline carries with it, the objective of correcting, and training for a change of behavior.
While punishment judges and condemns an action, discipline corrects and nurtures the proper behavior. God does not punish His children; He disciplines them, because the punishment for their sins, has been inflicted upon Jesus Christ.
Although discipline and punishment come with a relative degree of pain, the pain of discipline leads to a change of lifestyle. The Bible says, “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.” – (Hebrews 12:11). Discipline is painful; it is not enjoyable.
It is never God’s original intention, to allow painful means to align us with His will and purpose. But that becomes necessary when we refuse to grow and flow with the instructions from His word and specific directions, we have received from Him. David said I went astray before I was afflicted, but now I keep Your word. -(Psalms 119:67)
When disciplined, you are not being tempted or tested; you are being corrected. The earlier you get the correction, the better. How do I know that I am being corrected? The best way to know is to ask God in prayer. Father is there anything; You want me to learn in this situation? God is a good Father; He will respond once He gets your attention.
I remember that in my undergraduate days, unconsciously, my confidence shifted from God to my sponsor. At the beginning of a particular semester, I was surprised when my sponsor told me, with a tone of finality, that he did not promise to sponsor me throughout my studies.
It was difficult for me, as I did not have another means. When I went to God in prayer, the Lord opened my eyes to my error, and I repented, and miraculously, my sponsor called me back and resumed till I finished my studies. Since then, I have learned to look to God alone as my source.
Knowing that God corrects you for your good, what should be your response?
Father, I receive grace to live by Your word in the name of Jesus Christ.
Rotimi Oluwaseyitan is the Lead Pastor at Christ Royal Assembly and founder of Rotimi Oluwaseyitan Ministries. He has authored six books, including Exceeding Riches of His Grace, GraceNow Devotional, Prophetic Prayer Handbook, The fellowship of the Holy Spirit, Dealing with the Spirit of Herod, and the Mistakes of Lot. He is passionate about prayer and the word. He hosts a monthly prayer meeting online every first day of the month.
Do you find yourself sometimes wearied, with no strength to continue your journey?
Perhaps you need a fresh word or a push of encouragement for each day, then, Subscribe to receive FREE Daily Devotional from Pastor Rotimi.