My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. —Hebrews 12:5-8
The Lord pries our fingers loose from the things to which we cling so tenaciously. Firmly, but tenderly, He woos us away from anything that would hold us back from that which is His best for our lives. He could say to us, “If you only knew the glory that you will inherit, you would never refuse Me. Have I ever led you into a place where I could not meet you and provide for you? I will never take anything from you that will not be restored tenfold. My disciplines are good. They seem sorrowful for the moment, but afterward they yield the fruit of righteousness.”
{ PRAYER STARTER }
I feel Your gentle tug on my fingers, Lord, prying them loose from those things You know must be dismissed out of my life. I release them to You, Lord. May they never hinder me from growing more like You each day I live.
When the Lord’s presence departs from us
in our place of compromise, we must arise
in obedience and faith and seek Him.
