Daily Devotional

Several weeks ago, I asked my students what they’d do for a million dollars. I quickly learned that the question should have been, “What wouldn’t you do for a million dollars?” I asked questions like: “Would you punch your best friend in the face as hard as you can?” “Would you live on the street for three months?” “Would you scrounge your million dollars out of a rat-infested garbage bin?” Here’s the one that got them, “Would you let me scroll through your phone, to see all your conversations and group messages?” Aside from that last one, I found that there wasn’t much that they wouldn’t do for a million dollars. I took from that, when something is incredibly valuable to us, we will endure hardships to earn the reward!

 The question for us is what would we endure spiritually if it meant leaving the best life that God has planned for us? Part of the answer is understanding that this quality of life is not attained without discipline. The Bible tells us discipline, at first glance, is viewed negatively. I recall getting a pop or a whopping or even being grounded as a kid. I don’t think I ever looked at my mom saying, “Thank you, ma’am. May I have another?” I hated discipline, mainly because I didn’t understand it. Yet now as an adult, I realize how much discipline helped me become a responsible husband, father, brother, etc. Now there should be a clear and obvious difference between correction and abuse which should never be tolerated. But the Bible is clear that Godly correction, however uncomfortable, can be used to perfect us if we submit to it. We are called to keep enduring discipline.  

God’s discipline will not disappoint. It will produce endurance. Just like a soldier going through basic training, the pressure, the pain, and the difficulty are purposed to grow a regular citizen into a trained warrior equipped to protect and defend. In the same way, God is developing us into who we need to be. To be sharp, trained, prepared individuals, ready to endure anything the enemy would throw at us. May we spend more time trusting Him by not trying to survive on our own abilities?

May this prayer be on your heart today, “God, I trust you. Have your way with my life. I surrender to your plan with the utmost confidence in your discipline. Help me to keep enduring. Amen.”

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.