“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” -Hebrews 12:1-3
I had just woke up, drank a glass of water, opened the blinds to let the sun in, and sat up straight in the bed with my laptop on my lap ready to work. It was crunch time for school work, and I had a ton of it to catch up on. Yes, catch up! I had been so distracted lately because this class has not been an easy one. My first thought before starting were, “What am I gonna do today? I wonder if Angelica wants to go downtown!” My second thought was, “wait, let’s talk to Jesus about this school work situation because I’m not feeling it!” I had already established in myself that I did not feel like doing this work. Then, in my conversation with the Father, He said to me so gently and sweet, “It’s not about feeling, but about discipline.” Then He took me to Hebrews 12:11 for a quick 1:1 on this very lesson about discipline. This is what it said, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” I sighed.
This message is so relevant in my life in more way than one. Furthermore, what God gives is always wisdom so I found myself listening. I also found myself wanting to share that I am aware that many of us struggle in the place of discipline. Some of us are go getters about certain things, but discipline lacks in other areas like diet, exercise, relationships, finances, spending good quality time with the Lord, cleaning, etc. You name it! If that is you, I want to challenge you to take a moment and sit with the above-mentioned verse, and let Father give you grace to achieve whatever it is you have been slack about. That could look like disciplining your flesh to not sin by setting those boundaries, or filling out those nonprofit papers. It could be sacrificing for that gym membership, or meal prepping for God’s sake (speaking to myself, lol)! When He speaks to you, I encourage you to take heed. Remember what He said ever so gently, “it’s not about feeling, but about discipline”. Then go read Hebrews 12:11 to confirm that. The reward for discipline is fruitfulness. You will be glad you listened.
While on the subject…
Discipline is becoming a master subject for me, as I am having to exercise discipline in so many new ways in preparation for the World Race. I am preparing for this extended mission’s trip where I will be visiting 11 other countries for ministry over the course of 11 months, and the workload in preparation alone is not easy. While I expect this to be the most amazing faith experience I have ever had thus far, I am also expecting some challenges that I know will produce perseverance and growth in me like never before, like fundraising and physical preparation. However, I am willing, and I am ready to sacrifice this next year to just do God’s work and focus on feeding His sheep all around the world.
So, why am I leaving for a season my job behind, my friends, my family, and the entire life I know and love for this purpose? It is like the writer of Hebrews said, “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” This is me carrying my cross and enduring it for the joy of others coming to the knowledge of Jesus for the first time. In discipline, in hope, and in love I go. So, humbly I ask, will you help me? Whatever you give will be rewarded, and I am thankful to for the faith you have in the facilitation of Christ’s work.
Hebrews 12:1-3 “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Love of a Father..
