I talk about Hebrews being an encouragement to us in my video blog. Yet, today as we turn to Hebrews 12 for our reading, it's all about God's discipline. So are any of you thinking "discipline as encouragement? Yeah, right." Well, none of us like discipline. I surely don't. But honestly, we all need it. It doesn't feel very encouraging while you're in the middle of it, but for me, after I've come through it, I can look back and see exactly how God used that discipline to shape me and refine my thinking and actions.
I went through a time of major discipline in my life about 12 years ago. In a nutshell, I had really put God on the back burner in my life and was striving to do my own thing because I thought I knew exactly what I needed (or maybe I should say wanted) out of my life. Kind of stupid, I know, but that's really where I was at. God let me run down that course for a while. I could feel Him continuing to pursue me, but I only wanted Him here and there when it was convenient. Finally God said ENOUGH and he allowed some very hard circumstances to happen in my life. It got my attention for sure, but did I immediately respond and turn to God? Nope, I fought Him, again thinking I could handle my life. I was so wrong. It took a couple of years of struggles and pain before I finally surrendered--completely. It changed the course of my life. Going through those couple of years was horrible. But as I look back now, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I am so grateful God never treated me like I treated Him and that He never gave up on me. So here I sit about 12 years later, and that disciplining time in my life is a huge encouragement to me today. I know without a doubt that God loves me, that He's not going to leave me and that He holds the master plan and is in control. How awesome!
Whew, that got kind of long--sorry about that. So I'm wondering how many of you have had a similar experience? Can you see how God has used a time of discipline for your good? Or, maybe you're experiencing some discipline right now and you're having a hard time seeing that good ending? Let us know because we'd love to pray for you and give you some encouragement along the way. Tami W.
The Lord gave me a discipline time that lasted about 19 years. Sounds like a really tough one, but it took me that long to figure out what He was getting at. We'd planned on two children; the Lord gave us a third when our second child was entering kindergarten. Our new son was a loving, happy child until about his 5th birthday. Then it was like something flipped a switch within him. His character changed. He's extremely intelligent, but he's always had trouble in school. Personal interactions were, and continue to be, difficult for him. Long story to short--we found he has Asperger's Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.
His interaction problems extended to us, his family, as well. I haven't been able to hug him since he was small--doesn't like to be touched. All sorts of things, but it's been a very difficult parenting job.
Things finally crested a couple of years ago. After a particularly difficult afternoon I just sat down and cried. I remember saying out loud, "Lord, I just can't do this anymore. I can't do it without You. I don't have it in me." And then I heard Him say, as if He were sitting right next to me, "That's why you have him. So you would finally know how much you need Me."
It was an incredible moment. We have our son for so many reasons, and we love him; and he has us for equally as many, I'm sure. But God needed me to realize how much I needed Him, and it wasn't going to happen with me, evidently, any other way. Tough love, but it's still love, any way you cut it.
Our son started classes at university 2 weeks ago and is loving it. The past two years he's found his niche, and the Lord is using him in some really wonderful ways. I'm so glad and thankful for the hard times, because I really, truly appreciate the blessings we've received through it all.
I'm glad that you shared as much as you did in this blog. I personally have been in a backslidden (is that a word) state for quite a while now. But I do see God working in my life in spite of myself.
Thanks for the encouragement,
ScatterGus
I'm going through my own personal discipline right now and I feel really crappy. I have these bouts when I go through depression ... wow, I let that word slip off my tongue. At any rate, as I stated, I get really depressed to the point I feel lifeless, hopeless and sometimes just want to disappear; vanish. I really start feeling down on myself when I don't have my baby or my older son here with me and I'm sitting alone in the house.
So guess what I do? I rebel against God, having my own pity parties and just doing the opposite of what he commands me to do. I engage in all type of crazy behaviors hoping that I will find happiness. Deep down inside, I know those things aren't going to bring me happiness because God has not given me his blessings or blessed me with those things. After I finish my escapades such as compulsive shopping sprees, drinking excessively, hanging out with old friends, after all it's said and done ... I'm back to square one ... lonely, depressed and feeling hopeless.
I diverted off the path God laid for me/us and wandering on that wide road that so many people are walking on. When I was walking on that path, I was feeling good about myself, life and I could see the road map clearly. I allowed the enemy to come and steal that away from. Ever since, I have been complaining, saying mean spirited things about others and just not being a kind person.
However, I heard a message from a pastor on the radio, and his sermon was about all the great people in the bible who experienced with ongoing depression. He started talking about how they dealt with it and finally offered some great tips on how we can deal with it.
Of all the sermons I listen to, this is one that really hit home with me. I guess hearing, already knowing that not everyone was perfect in the bible, that great men of God were also depressed in such a way that it nearly controlled their lives ... for the first time, I didn't feel alone.
So, by committing to P4 daily readings, blogging and journaling, I believe that God has mapped out a different blueprint for me which leads to the same narrow path he said we should be on. I believe he has his own special way of disciplining us so that we can turn our lives and troubles over to him. I'm so grateful for his love and giving me a heart of conviction. I want to praise him at all times, and I want to lean on him even more when I don't feel like I'm not worthy. I know what it feels like to walk with him when I'm happy. I just need to let it go and give it God when I'm feeling down.
Sorry for writing this long passage, but I was feeling a little down tonight. So instead of lying in my bed crying and feeling sorry for myself, I whipped out my bible, read the assignment for today and wrote out all the questions and answers in my journal, followed up by writing out my prayer, and now blogging to you all.
I feel really good now.
Again, sorry for this long story but thank you so very much for providing me a forum to vent. I will try not to have too many of these days or blogs. I surely don't want you all to think that I'm an energy drainer or a burden. I do have more happy days than sad.
Tina
Discipline from God....gotta love that word!
I have had some great times where God has disciplined me, and honestly, I'm thankful for it. I didn't grow up with a father, and so when I read that passage where God disciplines us because He loves us, I always felt loved.
It is interesting also, because in my work as a counselor, one of the things I hear from my clients is that they wish their parents had disciplined them more. The reason why, is because they would've felt loved - but when a parent doesn't discipline, it conveys they don't care. So I praise God for His loving discipline...even though I might now always like it :)
I think at some point we've all drifted and gone our own way, the only think that differs is the length and intensity of our detours. For me, I accepted Jesus at age 20, but because I didn't have any mentors I quickly went my own way and spent the next 15+ years making very bad decisions that I subsequently "paid for" emotionally, financially and spiritually. I'm firmly back on track with God now and I often tell others "if only I knew then what I know now!" The key for me was regularly staying in the Word, attending church and Bible studies. The fellowship is especially meaningful to me now because I'm alone with no family near me. I'm thankful for the Lord's daily faithfulness.
God disciplines us whether we are serving Him or have jumped down, if you will, a rabbit hole; which I have jumped down many. He has disciplined me through out my years as a Christian (30 years). There have been times I understood, but more often then not, I didn't. However, I have come to see it as necessary, if I am to grow in Him and be a light to others.
Recently, I got off track. I found excuses not to attend a new church; which, He led me to. You see, I didn't like the fact He chose to move me away from my daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and church family. I was very happy and content. Why did He move me. Even though I prayed for His will to be done and I would go wherever He wanted me too. Secretly, I didn't want to move. Thankfully, He showed me how wrong my thinking was. And I am so thankful He did. He is renewing me, revealing more of Himself and building my faith.
I pray each of you (us) continues to seek His face daily and give Him the praise and glory He is so deserving of.
No matter your situation remember, He has not left you nor forsaken you.
Love and Blessings In Christ!
Thank you so much Tami for your testimony. You reminded me of a time about how I lived my life until I was 35 years old. Everything had to go my away and God was an after thought. I wanted God to respond when I needed him, because after all, I knew what was best for me. But, after years of living this way I was very unhappy. I believe the Lord let me have my way because he knew I would make a terrible mess and sink into despair. It is only after getting into this awful state, that I was able to hear that still small voice. I went to bed one night angry at the world and awakened the next day wanting to go to church and be baptized. I repented of my sin and have been happy ever since. Life still has its ups and downs, but knowing that the Lord will never forsake us, and that he gives us the strength to persevere puts a smile on my face. It's all about Him, not us. May the LORD continue to bless your ministry. dlj
Good morning to you all.
I have had a very hard time most of my marriage life, but like I see it is not just me. Even though, I have felt like it. I know that God has every path ready for me to walk on. I Praise God for that. I believe that God put me there, if he didn't, I probably would not have been willing to turn to Him.
Tina, I want to thank you for your sharing your life with us, just so you know, we are all in this together. I do pray for all of the P4 people, and that is everyone included. May God Bless each and everyone today, in a very special way, that is far beyond our thoughts.
I Pray that the Precious Blood of JESUS Christ will pour out to all of us Today, that we may be able to walk in the Light Today.
So that other people may see the Light of the Lord JESUS, and will chose to follow Him too.
God is Love
Thank you so much Susanna for your encouraging words. I'm grateful that God led me to this website and to all of you. I know I will learn a lot and stand stronger.
So far, this has been the most powerful week for me. I'm on track with my readings, praying more often, and most of all, just keeping a positive attitude. I have been conscious of what I say, how I say it, and if I slipped and said something not positive, I instantly correct myself.
I can't express enough how inspiring this week has been for me, and it's only Wednesday evening. Things are really looking bright for me, and it's all because of God's grace.
Journaling and blogging also have contributed to my positive spirits and week.
I pray that everyone in the P4 group remains steadfast in the Lord. I ask that God protect us and keep us secured tightly under his wings, especially through these trying times. May God give us strength and encouragement to be a witness and testimony of his will. My God continue to bless Dr. Kroll, Tami and all the staff at Back to the Bible. May the ministry grow stronger and continue to be a blessing to many across the nation. Amen!
Have a blessed night and peace to all of you. Tina
I've made some really bad decisions that I have been paying for both Financially and Spiritually like Big Time. I was listening to the radio when I heard a brief spot about Powered by 4 and checked it out. I've been trying to get back into the Word but it's hard and I'm struggling. I need Discipline and Encouragement. Thanks
Lea;
Keep on trying, don't give up. At some time on all of our life's we have made bad decisions. And that is why we have JESUS. He will forgive our sins and sat our feet back on the right path. Continue seeking Him by reading His word, fellowshipping with other believers (like this blog and in person), and speaking to your Heavenly Father.
You are an encouragement to me and others with your willingness to share, when you are vulnerable. Thank you! Your heavenly Father will not forsake you nor leave you!!!
Five years ago I began a period of time when I turned from the Lord, little by little. As you said, Tami, I knew He was still behind me but I wanted and thought my will was better for me at the time. There was even a moment when I felt Him beside me and I literally turned my head away. It was the moment I began to let sin take over my life. I always believed that God would never let me totally turn from Him. But, He did and He used this time to discipline me. It took a while and over the next few years I slipped a few times, but every time, I realized that I had cut myself off from what I knew was right and from what God's will was for my life. Now, I can look back and see that time for what it was, my will which will only lead to destruction of my relationship with God and my loved ones. Now, God is the focus of my life. My Bible and Bible study are the most important things in my life. Without this, nothing in my life goes well. God used a horrible time in my life to get my attention again and to show me that I needed to give my life totally to Him. God has taken my life and put it back together in an even better way. I never thought I would say I'm grateful for that awful time in my life, but I really am because it brought me back to God in a new, stronger and wonderful way. When I didn't deserve a thing from God, He lovingly put His arms around me and lead me "home" and showed me how to live an abundant life. I still don't deserve anything from God, but He continues to bless my life as I continue to live for Him.
I've just found Back to the Bible online and it is a fantastic site. I've been listening to Dr. Kroll and you every day since and have joined Powered by 4. This is my first note to you. I am so excited to have found a site that is so wonderful and that has something for me everyday. God Bless.