James 5:11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Do you give up on things when they don’t work out as you wanted them to? Do you give up before attaining your goal?

When God asks us to do something, we should not limit His goals for the task ahead but must go at it with everything we have.

Just because we did not set the goal should not make it any less desirable or required.

Hebrews 12:6 My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you

When we do step out of line we should not be too surprised when God allows us to get into trouble!

It is not His way to punish people just because they do something wrong, but if we have been warned about it and continue to do wrong, we should expect consequences!

God is very fair in His dealings with us and continues to want the best out of us – we need to listen, learn and obey at all times.

Hebrews 12:10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

When we step out of line, our parents or guardians step in to discipline us to try and stop us going off the rails again; but this only lasts a short while.

The older we become, the less our parents get involved and the more we have to fend for ourselves and try to stay within the law.

But all this time, God is watching over us and trying to guide us in His ways which are the best ways for us – how much we listen and obey shapes our lives!