Hebrews 12:11 (CEV) reads, "It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do it right and live in peace." One of the toughest things to go through as believers in Christ is to be corrected by God. When God corrects us, it may not be the most pleasant, but it is for our benefit. God's correction brings forth love, patience, longsuffering, and discipline.
Discipline is exercised in different ways. There is physical discipline. There is psychological discipline. There is spiritual discipline. Displaying the strength to get up every morning at 6am to pray is a prime example of a believer having discipline. The more we exercise discipline the stronger we will be when life throws us curveballs.
Generals of the faith have to be disciplined in order to carry out the assignments that God has given them. Men of God such as Paul the Apostle and Peter the Apostle preached The Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world and paid for it with their lives. What this tells us is that despite the threats of death these two men loved God's Word, had no fear, and were disciplined regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. It was men, women, and children whose blood was used to gift wrap the blessings, security, and comforts we have today. We all can take a page out of The Book of Acts. Everything is not about prosperity, health, and wealth. I will always have a special place in my heart for the first century Church and its leading voices and examples.
Although I have made improvements there are days when I don't want to be disciplined. Out of all the struggles I have discipline is the hardest one. Daily I fight with the Word of God and prayer. Think about when you go to the gym to lift weights but times 1000. The flesh can be strenuous on the soul. As long as we fight the good fight of faith the devil will never win.
Living in this last hour now is not the time to continually fall into sin. Deceptions and lies run the show. Watching our steps. Directing our eyes. Controlling our tongues. All these things are a must for those of us who are on this walk.
I urge you to never stop having faith to overcome. Whenever life beats you down remember that we serve a God that is bigger than our circumstances. Anytime you feel like giving in pick up your Bible. Talk to God as if He is your counselor/therapist. Don't forget to encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are dealing with their own struggles. Together we can strike a mighty blow to the kingdom of darkness. In Jesus name, Amen.
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