Intimacy is Not All Roses

MORNING

Read Hebrews 12:10-11

Devotion

I’m presently helping train a young puppy, Willow. She loves everyone and is very enthusiastic about life. Her excitement and affection are mostly charming and contagious. But she has so much to learn about controlling her instincts and living safely and well. Willow doesn’t appreciate my training role, especially when I try to discipline her, so we’re getting there very slowly. If only she could see that it is ultimately for her own good. But then, I guess she’s a puppy.

This Scripture talks about the key discipline role of both earthly fathers and our heavenly Father in the growth of their children. Earthly fathers don’t always get it right, but God is spot on in His discipline of His disciples. He knows exactly what we need to become children that look like their Dad. Because He loves us so much, God is correcting and forging us. Every struggle he allows us to go through has a God-ordained objective. The greater our intimacy with God, the more He will seek to forge us.

The problem is that God’s discipline means some short-term pain for us, and like Willow, we find this unpleasant. It’s easy to think that if God really loved us, He would make life enjoyable and easy for us. Such an idea, of course, is nonsense. God is preparing us for an eternity with Him where we will share In His holiness (12:10). Because He loves you so much, He is intent on shaping your heart and forging your character. Whatever pain you are enduring now, be sure that God loves you deeply and is carefully and fondly working the best for you, his precious child.

Prayer

I love it when I’m really close to You and everything is working out well in my life. I know that my long-term future will be like this permanently. But in the short term, help me to trust Your love through the struggles and seemingly unanswered prayers. Keep producing a harvest of righteousness and peace in me no matter what it may cost me. Prune and discipline me. May my pain draw me closer to You and make me more like You.

Today’s Bible Focus

“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.