“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
Here’s a thought-provoking statement: “We always do what we want to do in the moment.” Our problem with changing ourselves is not with our external circumstances or a lack of self-will. In fact, it is our will—our desires—that drives our actions in the moment.
I have seen this truth in my own life. I may want to be fit or aspire to be a good writer, but if I don’t exercise or stick to my work, it is because in the moment I’ve desired to do something else more than working out or writing.
It isn’t that I don’t want to love Jesus more. It’s just that sometimes other things are right in front of me that I desire more in the moment than spending time with Him in the Word and prayer.
God’s process of discipline may change our behavior, but more importantly will change our desires. God- given suffering can move us from wanting to love Jesus more to actually desiring Him above all else. Delight in Him; He’ll give you the desires of your heart (see Psalm 37:4). With that in mind, we can find hope and rejoice in God’s transforming heat process!



Scripture Focus

Hebrews 12:5-11

Insight

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Bible In A Year

  • Nehemiah 10-11
  • Psalm 36
  • Mark 15

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