Years ago, I was studying Romans with a great group of women. One topic that came up is the subject of discipline. 

Not exactly a fun topic, right? And even less fun when we’re going through it. In fact, I bet if we’re honest, most of us would say that we’d avoid it at all costs.

But one of the ladies made a comment that I thought was so profound. She said that she doesn’t want God to ever stop disciplining her – because if He stops, that means she’s not His child. Proverbs 3:11-12 supports her words: “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

So maybe instead of dodging discipline, we should pray the prayer of Jeremiah: “I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.” (Jeremiah 10:23-24)

So if you’re experiencing discipline right now, rejoice in it! God is treating you as His beloved child. Allow Him to grow you and change you so you look more like Jesus.