Is God Disciplining You?

When was the last time you were disciplined by God? There is no way to get to where God wants you to be without His discipline. This is a clear teaching of Scripture. God is actually the author of discipline and does it to perfection.

Without discipline, we are not disciples. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us of Psalm 94’s message about God’s dealings with HIS people. Not the world – but His people.

“My son, do not despise (make light of) the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges (punishes) every son whom He receives.”

Discipline, and chastening, is a sign of being a child of God. God loves the world and wants to bring them to faith in His Son. He loves his children enough to also bring them to maturity in faith and life. So God will discipline, correct, rebuke and even punish disobedience.

What is painful in life is not always the devil. God is good! You’ve heard that but many have no idea what “good” means. Everything difficult is not necessarily from the devil. The grace of God is not protection from Life’s reality but rather the grace of God is the ability to let God shine through you in every situation- even though you are not enjoying this season.

Discipline it is an act of love! It applies to every child he receives. When you surrender your life to the authority of Jesus, you became a child of God. You were adopted into the family of God by faith in Christ and God takes that seriously (a lot more seriously than most believers do) and He will make something beautiful out of your life. Adopted children should be treated exactly as home born children. That’s what God does!

Discipline is “learning” that molds character and enforces correct behaviour. Discipline, in spite of a popular misconception, is not inherently stern or harsh. God is clear but not harsh. God is demanding but not in anger. God is working on us in spite of our resistance and indifference. The disciple learns by following and when you are not following or not listening, God will speak, he will correct, and He will bring about circumstances to get our attention.

Correction can be avoided. There is a better way. Pay attention to the voice of God, the corrections of God and in every circumstance ask the Lord if He is trying to speak to you. Some of life is just life, some is the devil and some is truly the voice of God.

Oswald Chambers describes it this way: “If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I can see the face of God.”

Dennis Heppner grew up in Canada and was called to ministry as a young boy. Dennis and his wife Denie, who was also called to missions as a child, pastored 4 churches in Canada, but in 1987 the door opened to come to the Philippines as missionaries. They brought their 4 eldest children with them and the kids grew up here. In 2006 they adopted Emma Rose, a special Filipino treasure and a gift from God to their family.

Dennis has been a missionary evangelist in Asia for 25 years. He was the director of LIFESCHOOLS of ministry and pastored 3 churches in the early years of his ministry based in the Philippines. He is currently the founder and President of Developing Effective Leaders (DEL), superintendent of Church of God West Asia, and the founding and lead Pastor of the vibrant, growing Church of God Makati.

Dennis and Denie and their whole family, including Josh and Melody who live in Canada, are committed to missions, leadership, and the call of Christ.

Read more of Ptr. Dennis’ articles HERE!