God's Discipline

Scripture Reading: James 1

Focus Verse: James 1:12  "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

Why do you think God allows testing and temptation in our lives?  Does God like to see us struggle in this life?  No.  God wants us to rely on Him even when we don't understand what He is doing in our lives.  He wants us to mature spiritually.  We should be patient and trust God when we don't understand things in our life.  Those who love Him will receive the crown of life.

Some things in this life are difficult and a struggle.  The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6 "For who the Lord loves He chastens."  The word chasten means to train or discipline.  A good athlete will train and discipline his body until it hurts, because he knows that is how he will get stronger.  Sometime God will train us and it is difficult and maybe painful.  God knows this will make us stronger if we keep our faith in Him.

When we see test and trials come into our lives, this is an indication of God's love for us and that He is helping us to grow strong.  It is not a punishment for wrongdoing.  But, when we are tempted to do wrong and we commit sin as believers, God sends His Holy Spirit to convict us of that wrong.  (If we can continue to sin and feel no sorrow, it might be because we are not truly a child of God.)  Instead of seeing God's discipline as an inconvenience in your life, thank Him.  Be thankful for the blessings that you have and that He is looking out for you.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries