Hebrews 12:5

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;

     This year, for our fourth of July party, rather than go into town to watch the fireworks, a group of us set of our own at my parents house. Among them was my sister and her family. It was my two month old neices first fourth of July. Her mom was worried, and I was instructed that when I hold her I cover her ears on any loud ones. Well, one of the first was a very bright flashing light, almost like a strobe light. Knowing how sensitive babies can be to over-stimulation, I covered her eyes to protect. It was then that I found out that she did not like having her eyes covered. She started crying and fussing and tried as hard as her body would let her to throw her body down out of my hands grasp.

     While what I was doing probably scared and annoyed her, she failed to realize that what I was doing was actually for her benefit. It would have been nigh irresponsible for me not to cover her eyes. I was just trying to act in her best interests. Yet by her lack of knowledge, and without my ability to explain such complex thoughts to her, she became upset at the very one who was trying to protect her. What we sometimes do not realize is that my protection of my neice often reflects God’s protection of us.

     Many times we do not understand what is going on in our lives. There may even be times where, like the Psalmist, we ask of the Lord why He has forsaken us (Psalm 22:1). Bad things happen and we are instantly upset at the surround circumstances. Sometimes we need to realize that the things going on may even be for our benefit. It might be a way of testing and strengthening our faith (James 1:2-3). Other times it may be God disciplining us. While this may seem unpleasant, we have to remember that discipline leads us to change, and a lack of change will lead to much more dire circumstances. And as we go through these hard times, we must never forget to trust the Lord. We must put our faith continually in Him. After all, He is the one holding us, caring for us, and He only wants what is best for us.

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;