“For those whom The Lord loves he disciplines”
Hebrews 12:6 NASV

Like most boys, I thought my dad was as strong as a man could be. It seemed like there was nothing he could not do. When my dad was there I felt safe and secure because I knew he could protect us. I wanted to be just like him.
As I got a little older, my father and I did not always see eye to eye. He trained me to work hard, be disciplined, and take the lead. I remember thinking how unfair his demands were. In time, I started to take pride in the work I could do. Looking back, I am very thankful for those life lessons and I appreciate the example I had. It was not until I became a parent and had a family of my own that I truly understood.
Life often has a way of repeating itself. In teaching my own children I have seen the very same look in their eyes that I had felt at their age. Discipline and hard work is something we tend to only appreciate in hind sight. Unfortunately, there are many children who do not know the care of a father’s instruction.
While many father’s on earth may neglect their children and their role as spiritual leaders, we have a Heavenly Father who is always faithful. He loves his own with a a love we cannot fully comprehend. It is out of his love that he gives us training and discipline. Sometimes we become discouraged with the difficulties we experience as children of God. The Scriptures remind us that the discipline of the Lord makes us stronger. Doing what is right is never easy. Christians will face challenges to their faith every day. It is something we continue to learn and work at. Don’t settle for less than what God is asking of you. Believe in his power to help you grow as a Christian. He is leading you on the path of eternal life.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 ESV