Why would a loving God permit us to experience pain, even a small dose? To get our attention! To bring about change! Listen: ‘‘God disciplines us for our good’’ (Hebrews12:10). God’s intention is always to nudge us lovingly, wisely, persistently, toward the life and character we desire - but can’t reach without His help. The Bible says, ‘No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness’’ (Hebrews 12:11). What does God want? Fruit! He knows that without regular pruning, the vine will only live up to a fraction of its potential. That’s why we all have our ‘pruning stories.’ God’s discipline usually starts because of a sin problem - an unconfronted behavior or attitude that’s blighting our lives. It ends when the problem ends. The discipline doesn’t have to continue! It’s up to us! We only experience pain as long as we hang onto our sin. Does discipline feel good? No! Is discipline the way of committed love? Absolutely! Satan would love to convince you that because your Father is dealing firmly with you, you’re a worthless loser. The opposite it true! Only if you’ve never received discipline should you doubt His favor. The Bible says, ‘If you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons’ (Hebrews 12:8). Today, you can lengthen or shorten the discipline process in your life - it’s entirely up to you!