Oftentimes, when perceived hardships come, the enemy is quickly blamed. I use the term perceived because in this instance it’s our interpretation, but not necessarily the truth.
In Hebrews 12:7-8, we see that God disciplines His children like any good parent does (and that says a lot in contrast to the super relaxed reins and “gentle” parenting that is encouraged in today’s time). After all, God is the epitome of a great parent. It confirms that you are His legitimate child. Read down to verse 11 to find out more about our response to discipline.
God’s discipline is for the making (development) of His children. But for many Christians, it’s easier to blame the devil and engage in the religious routines of praying it away or binding up the enemy. Additionally, it is viewed as an insult that discipline is not only needed but being administered.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦? 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩? 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘦𝘴𝘵! 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘺!”
It would serve us well to assess the hardship first before tossing if off as the handiwork of a busy-bodied malevolent being.
God’s discipline is good. The author of Psalm 119 is unknown although debates swirl that it may be David or Daniel. Nevertheless, the writer dealt with hard circumstances and knew it was God’s doing. In verse 71, he not only recognized God’s discipline but acknowledged it as 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 because it taught him God’s decrees. What a mindset!
We say we want to know God and get closer to Him until the realization sets in that discipline is a method by which the “drawing nigh” happens (Read James 4:8).
So, the next time you’re enduring hardship, don’t be so quick to give the devil credit. Of course, it’s not pleasant at the time, but find out if it’s God first. If so, trust Him. Trust His heart toward you. This shift in mindset makes endurance doable. Then, know that He considers you His child. He’s simply doing what all incredible fathers do for their children and Father Knows Best.
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