The Lord’s Discipline
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. Back in high school, I was involved in some pretty immoral behavior. I claimed I knew Jesus, but I know I would’ve abandoned what little faith I had, especially at college, had I not had my accident. Someone once asked me, “Joni, are you saying God punished you for all that wrongdoing?” Well, Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” But, remember, friend, there are two kinds of punishment. One is retribution – that’s what God does with unbelievers; and then there’s restoration – that’s what God does with believers. The discipline God doled out to me was intended to purge sin from my life. It’s never easy to take, but, thankfully, the Bible says discipline eventually yields the fruit of righteousness. It’s something to remember if today, you are experiencing discipline from your heavenly Father.
© Joni and Friends
31 Days Toward Intimacy with God
In this 31-day devotional, Joni leads you into green pastures of encouragement, and helps you through the twists and turns of disappointment with wisdom from God’s Word.
