“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
-Hebrews 12:11
March 6, 2021
God's Discipline Not God's Denial
The passage explains that merely experiencing something unpleasant does not mean we are being punished by God or have been abandoned by Him. Sometimes God uses struggles and hardships to correct us away from sin as mentioned in Hebrews 6:7-8. Other times we are simply being given an opportunity for growth – being trained into a deeper faith. This is obvious in our parental relationship between God (the Father) and us (the children) where God often disciplines his children.
No child enjoys discipline, but in reflection, the child sees the discipline as guidance and therefore respects the parent. Hardships are difficult but are a true test of our faith. While in the midst of struggle, our minds are mostly concerned about the unpleasant situation. Afterwards, we can see clearly how God created growth experiences. Therefore we can see a process of maturity driven by our discipline.
This is why Lent is such an integral part of our liturgical season. It allows us a forty-day period of purging, fasting, praying, self-denying, reflecting, and renewing. There is no better way to have one-on-one counseling with God!
Prayer: To achieve masterpiece status, God throws His Master’s peace at us! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Brother Geoffrey E. Tate, Sr.
Licentiate
Mighty Men of Metropolitan
Sons and Daughters of Allen
Lent 2021
The members and friends of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
have written their devotions and reflections on the impact of the season of Lent
in their lives. Each testimony in the booklet is a personal reflection of their experiences.
We welcome you on this journey with us as we discuss our sacrifices and hope
that some aspect of the scripture, reflections, or prayers will inspire you as you
experience the season.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read along with us offline. May God bless and keep you throughout this season of reflection.