Picture a father who watches his child running towards danger. What does he do? He doesn't just stand by and let the child get hurt. He steps in, sometimes sternly, to protect and guide that child back to safety. In the same way, when our Heavenly Father sees us running toward spiritual danger, out of His great love, He steps in to correct us. As Hebrews 12:6 says, "Lord disciplines those whom he loves and chastises every child whom he accepts."
The discipline we experience is not a sign of God's anger or rejection. No, it's a sign of His deep, abiding love for us. God's discipline is not about punishment; it's about transformation. It's about molding us into the people He created us to be. When we face challenges, setbacks, or corrections, it's not because God is against us. It's because He is for us. He is working all things together for our good.
An ancient story from the Middle East illustrates this point. A traveler saw a shepherd feeding a sheep with a broken leg. Curious, he asked, "Did it fall, or did an animal break its leg?" The shepherd replied, "No, I broke it." Surprised, the traveler asked, "Why would you do that?" The shepherd explained, " It wouldn’t stay with the flock and would even lead some of the other sheep astray. It wouldn’t let me near it, so I had to break its leg so it would allow me to feed it. In doing this, it will get to know me as its shepherd, trust me as its guide, and keep with the flock."
If this resonates with you, know you're not alone. God often uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him, to guide us back to His loving care. If you feel broken today, know that you are in the hands of the Good Shepherd. He is feeding you with His Word, nurturing you with His presence, and guiding you with His Spirit. This period of difficulty is not the end of your story. It is a chapter that will lead to growth, healing, and a deeper connection with the One who loves you unconditionally. We might not always understand His ways, but we can trust His heart.
