When God Takes You to the Woodshed
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
“History shows that whenever God uses a rod to chasten His servants, He always breaks it afterwards, as if He loathed the rod that gave his children pain.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Think back to when you were a child and got into some trouble. Did your parents spank you and if so, did they use their hand… or some implement such as a belt, a paddle, or a switch?
No matter how you were disciplined by your mom and dad, I can guarantee you one thing: they didn’t enjoy it at the time and felt bad about it afterwards. How do I know? Because that’s the way I felt as a parent when I was forced to discipline my own kids when they misbehaved.
Sometimes a word of correction or a stern verbal warning was enough, but there were a few times when corporeal punishment was needed. However, as soon as the spanking was over, I couldn’t wait to hug my wayward child in my arms once more, assuring them of my unconditional love.
If I, being human, felt a pang of regret every time I had to physically correct one of my kids, just imagine how much it breaks God’s heart when He is forced – for our own good – to chasten us. Remember, He may exercise judgment and exhibit righteous anger against His enemies, but His adopted children do not fall into that category.
“He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Proverbs 13:24 (BSB)
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
