The Lord chastened me severely but spared my life.

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.”  (Hebrews 12 : 5 -  6 NABRE)

After I lost everything I had worked for, sick and penniless, I heard the above words from the pulpit at Mass one Sunday morning.  It was clearly addressed to me.  The word has met its owner.  For the rest of that Sunday,  I read and re-read the passage.  Gradually, the truth settled in my heart.  Abba Father was not punishing me for my sins but training me as a son.  By the end of that day, I resolved to accept all my trials as discipline.  My life was transformed.  It did not take long before I started to notice the peaceful fruit of righteousness that came from Abba Father's discipline.   Like David I crowed "Thank You Father for training me." (Psalm 118: 18)

Thank You Father.  Lead me, guide me, train me and use me.  Amen!

Seekfirst.blogspot.com