Today we continued are devotion from “Time with God for Fathers” by Jack Countryman. We talked about the relationship between discipline and love as well as the special love God gives to those in trouble.

Discipline and Love Go Hand and Hand 

Hebrews 12:9-11 New International Version (NIV):  

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Now no one likes to be disciplined, especially as adults. Like the verse says it never feels good in the moment. But when we choose to cooperate with God when he corrects us, blessing are sure to follow. It’s during these times our hearts and minds our open to his mercy and grace. It’s also here were we can be blessed with an opportunity for a closer walk with him. When we learn from our discipline, we learn to follow his will and then can do all things through the holy spirit in us.

 

Special Love For Troubled Fathers

1 Peter 1:6-8 New International Version (NIV)

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

 

God knows you face difficult situations. He hears your cries even if he doesn’t answer when you want him too.  The fact of the matter is, no one is immune to feelings of hopelessness in dark situations. Sometimes, he’ll let these situations unfold to see where you turn too. It’s a way for Him to test your faith in him and strengthen it as well. When you fall back on him in times of trouble, he will give you the strength and comfort to make it through. In turn, this will bring you closer to him so you can further his kingdom! He can take the darkest situations in your life, and make them into something beautiful