Two Weeks Out

Today Garry had the second surgery, on his other (right) eye. It has been a long two weeks in some ways. He has had to have drops in both eyes since Sunday, not his favorite occupation. However, the doctor explained the necessity of these very clearly.

It reminds me of other disciplines we may not enjoy. Hebrews 12:3-11 (ESV):

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Or 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 in 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.

Just as we must take the long view when it comes to these physical surgeries and the disciplines which come with them, even more, we must do so with the disciplines the Father requires of His children--that we may share in His holiness and bear the peaceful fruit of righteoueness.