Praise Him in My Obedience
Our Struggle with Sin – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 12:5-11

Key Verse: Hebrews 12:4

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Following yesterday’s theme the writer of Hebrews continues to encourage us in our battles with sin.  He reminds us that struggle and hardships are often the discipline of the Lord (vs. 7).  God is treating us as sons.  We can be encouraged in that God always disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness (vs. 10).

In our society we have lots of options, as far as the way we live our lives.  It is easy to succumb to selfish living, which results in sins of omission.  In America we Christ followers especially must battle the “never enough” thinking in our lifestyles.  What we call hardship is often related to the struggle to get more stuff or live more comfortably.  It’s not sinful to want to live comfortably, but we must be cautious of selfishness.  Hebrews 12:5b challenges us: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.”  I think discipline from the Lord looks different for each of us, but it is definitely real and part of all of our spiritual journeys.

So, if you are struggling because it feels nothing is working out for you, please stop to consider what God may be up to in your life.  Don’t get mad at God; rather praise Him for the good He is trying to accomplish in you!

Father, I do want to thank you for not allowing me to live selfishly.  I will praise you even in your discipline of my life.  In Jesus’ name, amen.