A Season of Learning

Rachel at A Steady Rain has begun hosting a weekly blog link-up called Friday Feedback, and I wanted to give my own feedback to the question she's asking today.

What is a scripture passage that has impacted you recently?

The Lord has been taking me through a season of learning what Hebrews 12:5-11 really means.

     5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (NKJV)

I know that I'm one of those Christians that has to be hit over the head with scriptures about twenty times before I finally get understanding and start working to implement the truth into daily living.  This passage is something I've read over and over and heard taught many times, but I shamefully admit I let it go in one ear and out the other.

Until sometime in the last month or so....

I was getting it from every side... books, ladies Bible studies, a sermon someone sent me, my Bible reading.  It was very evident that God was trying to drive home His point with me.  I need to learn that I need His discipline because I really don't know what sinful thoughts and motives I harbor in my heart.  The pressure and squeezing I feel in circumstances helps to root that out and draw it to the surface.  It's not pleasant, but it's the only way I can see what needs to be changed and the idols that need to be knocked down in my heart.

So I'm learning.  Discipline is good.  Discipline means God loves me.  Discipline demonstrates I belong to Him.

Although painful, it does yield the fruit of righteousness when I've been trained by it.  So I'm working to embrace the process and be thankful, so I can become more like Him.

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