Don’t Faint

A few years ago, I was learning to sail. I volunteered to crew on an 1883 sailboat. There was so much to learn. Every line had a specific name. Every part of the boat had a specific name. The floor was a ‘deck’. Left was ‘port’. Right was ‘starboard’. There was so much to learn. The captain, Captain Pete, was very patient. I learned so much from him. One day he asked me to tie a knot. The knot I tied was not up to his standards and he corrected me kindly.

I was rather discouraged. I thought that by this time I should have been able to tie it correctly. It must have shown, because he took me aside and said, “I correct you because you’re worth it”. He had no idea how much that meant to me. He saw there was hope for me. He saw value in me enough to take time to correct and instruct me.

It’s the same in the Lord. He values us enough to discipline us. He’s not mad at us. He values us because of who we are and what, by His grace and power, we will be. So, when correction comes, whether from the Lord directly, or from a brother or sister, don’t be discouraged. Don’t give up. Take it as a sign that God knows you’re worth the trouble