Sin Weakens- Discipline Strengthens

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousnes and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (Hebrews 12:11-13 NIV)

Oh, the memory

Yes, my sweet momma disciplined me a few times during my childhood. The first time I remember…jumping on my bed. My mother asked, “Vicki Jo, are you jumping on your bed?” “No Momma,” I replied as I kept on jumping. Only if she had not checked for herself, I would have avoided a spanking. The concept of sin did not enter my mind. However, I think everyone will agree…discipline is painful.

Sin- Hot fire!

Sin has a way to weaken our bodies. Our physical body takes the heat for our emotional roller coster rides. I am not a runner and I have not been in a serious car accident. There was no explanation for a 32 year old female to have lower disc trouble. Yet, I believe tensions, frustrations, and representations all had a part. This happened right in the middle of my refinement during hot fire. The more rebellious to God’s will I became, the hotter the fire spewed. Have you ever been in such a struggle of resistance? I can picture my desire to leave this hot mess. As strong as I pulled away, God pulled me back in. As I have stated, this process is not pretty-yet meaningful.

Discipline

Proverbs share when we discipline our children, we keep them from death. The same happens from our heavenly Father. We can hide our sin from others, yet sin will never be hidden from God. He sees all and knows all. God not only wants to keep us from death, He wants us to experience his righteousness and peace to be prepared for greater happenings in days ahead.

Shout…Glory!

Now today, my feet are on level paths and I am ready to see the lame healed! This makes me want to shout, Glory! How about you? You may be facing the fire, you may be in the fire, or you may finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Allow God to burn the imperfections out and refill with more of His love, grace, and mercy. I am not sure if  I have reached the full harvest of righteousness and peace, yet what I have is super sweet.

Motivating Monday!

It’s Motivating Monday! Let’s be motivated to strengthen those feeble arms and weak knees. God is a redeemer that lives. Whatever satan has tried to steal from you, God will redeem. We have people who need to be healed!

Be encouraged!