Warfare... or Discipline?

I pray we learn something from this devotion I've read from one of my favorite daily devotionals.

For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6

There is a tendency among Christians to view anything unpleasant that happens to them as the result of "spiritual warfare." When a difficulty arises, many immediately ask God to remove their distress. The problem is that their predicament may have nothing to do with Satan or with spiritual warfare. It may appear far more glorious for us to explain our hardships as Satan's determined attacks against us, rather than admitting that we are merely reaping what we have sown and are being disciplined by our heavenly Father. (See Galatians 6:7)

What is often mistaken as Satan's attack may actually be chastisement from our loving Father. If you have neglected your role as spiritual teacher to your children, God may allow them to fall into sin. If you have been dishonest at work, God may correct you by letting you face the consequences.

God's discipline will not help you if you dismiss it as Satan's doing or spiritual warfare. Not every hardship you face is the chastisement of God, but Scripture indicates that God will discipline you.


From Experiencing God Daily Devotionals by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby. January 14 entry, page 14.