because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in….(Pr 3:12).
My daughter doesn’t enjoy hearing the word no. In fact, that word, usually makes her turn up her bad behavior. I’m not sure where this came from, but wow, she really knows how to throw a good fit.
The other day she threw herself on the ground and cried with deep passion and disgust because I wouldn’t let her play with an old dirty water bottle that was on the ground at the park. I’m also trying to teach her how to sit, play and be still, so we’ve been working on sitting in my lap and reading a book together. She doesn’t like that either. She wants to be in charge and so before the book is done she’ll start arching her back and crying. We’ve had to go to the timeout chair a few times as we work on sitting still.
Have you ever done that with God? Become so impatient with His timing, so angry over His no that you just tried taking over? You arched your back, threw up your fist and entered into an all out temper tantrum with Him. Maybe that’s just been me, but dear friend, our tantrums don’t have to be blatant they can be hidden too.
Sometimes, in order for us to grow, God has to place us in timeout. He’s done that with me and the process takes much, much longer until I submit myself to Him in it. Until I see that His discipline is for my good, because it comes from His character I push, kick and fight against it.
My daughter doesn’t understand that I’m training her for better things. Friend, I know it doesn’t feel that way in timeout right now, but God is training you up for greater things too. He’s breaking certain parts of your will that constantly buck up against His. He’s changing and growing you through all of it. Won’t you trust Him and submit yourself to His loving discipline?
Lord, I love you. Grow me up in you. I place myself in your hands. I trust that you are always working. Thank you for your grace. I need it. I submit myself to your loving discipline. I want to be like you, in Jesus name, Amen.
Heather Quiroz 