Discipline is often seen in a negative light, but in God’s kingdom, it’s a sign of His love for us. Just as a loving parent corrects their child to guide them on the right path, God disciplines us to shape our character and bring us closer to Him. It’s a process of growth that, while sometimes painful, is ultimately for our good.

When we face God’s discipline, it’s easy to feel discouraged or even resentful. We might think, “Why is this happening to me?” or “God must be punishing me.” or “Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed about it, it still didn’t turn out right I’m done trying.” Imagine if we had this attitude about anything else in life. It’s important to remember that God’s discipline is not about punishment but about transformation. It’s His way of refining us, helping us to let go of our old stubborn ways and embrace a new life in Christ.

Consider the story of Peter. He was a passionate follower of Jesus, but he often acted impulsively and made mistakes. When Peter denied Jesus three times, it was a moment of deep failure. Yet, Jesus didn’t abandon him. Instead, He lovingly restored Peter, guiding him through his mistakes and strengthening his faith. Peter’s experience of discipline and restoration prepared him to become a bold leader in the early church.

“God does not discipline us to subdue us but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. In His wisdom, He knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the paths of righteousness.” – Billy Graham

Pastor Chance

Every year when the new school year approaches, I remember that gut-wrenching feeling that I had had when I was a kid. The feeling that the summer’s over and I will have to enter a new school and try to make new friends. Many of us may remember the times where as a kid we felt that weird mixture of excitement and anxiety. Now, I look back on all of those times and I am grateful for that feeling, because I now understand that without moving to several new schools, I wouldn’t be as good with people as I am, I wouldn’t know the boldness and strength that was within me, to be open to change and adapt and overcome, and I wouldn’t know that I could be placed in a new environment and not just survive but thrive.

It’s natural to feel nervous about the unknown, but it’s important to remember that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. Just like Peter, who stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus, we are called to take bold steps of faith, even when we’re scared.

Peter’s story reminds us that even when we feel overwhelmed, Jesus is there to catch us. Similarly, David faced the giant Goliath with unwavering confidence, not because of his own strength, but because he knew God was with him. David’s faith and courage came from his trust in God’s presence and purpose for his life.

When we lean into him more, God grants us overwhelming inner confidence because He goes before us. When we step out in faith, we can be assured that we are not alone. We have a purpose, and we are deeply loved by God. So, as you face the new school year and any accompanying fears, remember that stepping out in faith is part of our journey. Great things rarely happen in the comfort of an easy life. Embrace the challenges, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

“When you fear God you fear nothing else, but when you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” Oswald Chambers  

Where did Francis ever get the crazy idea for this unrealistic lifestyle? He simply heard the words of Jesus and decided to follow them faithfully. He was especially influenced by the story of the rich man who came to Jesus wanting to know how to gain eternal life. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:21-22) Francis and his followers found freedom by letting go of the things of this world in order to bless and heal and preach to God’s children (and even birds!)

That was our worst road trip but it doesn’t compare to the nearly 10,000 miles road trip of St. Paul’s life:  … three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. (2 Corinthians 11:25-27)

Like impatient and ungrateful children they complained the whole way. First, when they observe the oncoming army of Pharaoh chasing them they say, “What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?  It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Exodus 14:11-12) When they came to a water source that was too bitter to drink: …the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24) When food became scarce they grumbled “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (Exodus 16:3) 

Genesis 12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2  “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a] 3  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

One of the first road trips in the Bible is the call of God to Abram to leave his homeland and head to the Promised Land. Abram was wealthy and comfortable in his home. But there was one thing he lacked-a family. God gave him a choice-stay and be safe or go and be fruitful. It’s amazing to me not only that God persuaded Abram but that Abram was able to get his wife, Sara, to go along based on such an impossible promise. 

Jesus didn’t assemble his students in a classroom or synagogue. Jesus’ way of teaching was to take his disciples on a road trip. With the simple but powerful words, “Come, follow me,” he invited fisherman and tax collectors to hit the road where they would see him bring his message to life at every twist and turn. The road is filled with the joy of being with the Savior and the challenge of carrying our own crosses. We will face uphill challenges and behold beautiful sunrises. We will grow closer to him and to each other and to our neighbors. We will have unbelievable adventures and reach an unimaginable destination. But only if we accept the invitation. Wherever he is inviting you to go-don’t hesitate. 

One day, after some disciples had drifted away he asked the remaining ones the following question: John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

The biggest question I have is what got him up from that chair? I guess a better question would be what gets you up from yours? A lot of times in our faith it can feel tiring in always giving and never receiving, loving difficult people, or just feeling alone like you hit a spiritual wall. Whatever it is, I believe God allows these seasons for a reason because it reminds us to rely on His grace, not just our own strength.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”** So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” – John 7:37-38

A lot of times we find ourselves doing more for God than our relationship with Him can withstand. In life, we can only run for so long until our legs give out and we cannot run anymore. However, God amazes us by giving us the power of His Spirit of endurance to continue.

When you feel like you can’t go on, remember that it’s not just your strength that you rely on. Just as David Goggins pushed through unimaginable physical limits, we too can push through our spiritual and emotional limits by relying on God’s grace. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and His living water will sustain us when we feel like we can’t take another step.

So, what gets you up from your chair? Let it be the grace and power of God working through you, reminding you that you are never alone and that His strength is sufficient for every challenge you face. However, keep drinking from the source through reading and living out scripture, prayer, solitude, service, and fellowship. Otherwise you will become spiritually dehydrated and good for nothing. 

Pastor Chance