"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
There is a price to pay to walk in victory. If you want to experience God's best, it's going to take some hard work. In order to live the abundant life God has planned, we must be willing to sacrifice acting on how we feel, so we can act on the Word of God. It's not easy to love people when they're not being nice. It's not easy just to overlook an insult. It's not easy to keep a good attitude and be patient when things aren't going your way. Sometimes it hurts to keep the flesh under, and sometimes it's uncomfortable.
The seeds you sow today will bring a harvest in the future. When you focus on the payoff of doing what is right in the Lord's sight, you will find strength to obey His Word. The Bible tells us that Jesus "focused on the joy that was set before Him" so He could endure the cross. Jesus knew the suffering He endured on your behalf would bring Him the joy of having a personal relationship with you–and you were worth the price!
A Prayer for Today
God, I am so blessed to follow the example of Your son, who loved and forgave unconditionally. When I find the strength today to turn the other cheek, overlook an insult, or keep a good attitude, I will harvest the rewards tomorrow. I have the strength to obey. In Jesus' Name – Amen.
