Grace That Grows

Grace That Grows

Punishment looks backward; discipline looks forward.

You know that moment when you receive a major blessing—promotion, favor, or opportunity—and your first thought is,

“Lord, please don’t let me mess this up?”

That’s wise instinct at work. It takes humility to realize blessings need more than celebration—they need stewardship.

Wise people see blessings coming… and get prepared.
Foolish people get blessings… and get broken.

Here’s why:
Punishment looks backward. It’s about paying for what was done wrong.

Discipline looks forward. It’s teaching us how to steward well what’s being entrusted to us. (Henry Cloud paraphrase)

Discipline from a loving Abba Father isn’t punishment. It’s training. It's God’s way of ensuring we don’t squander the gift He’s given. As Bill Johnson puts it, God disciplines us so we can survive—and multiply—His blessings.

Think of it this way:

• Blessing without discipline is like receiving a precious seed but never learning how to cultivate it.

• Discipline + blessing looks like strength under pressure, generosity in plenty, and humility in prominence.

Scripture reminds us: “No condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1)—so any feeling otherwise is a lie. And the New Testament promises that discipline exists for our good and for God’s glory. (Hebrews 12:10).

Reflection

What blessing have I received that I fear I won’t steward well?

How might God be using small corrections or challenges to prepare me for something greater?

In what ways can I ask the Father to help me prosper in stewardship and generosity?

Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for the blessings I’ve received and those yet to come. Help me lean into Your discipline with gratefulness, not resistance. Teach me to steward Your gifts with wisdom, grace, and humility—so that they multiply for Your glory and not my gain. Amen.