Deliberate Discipline

Last August, there came a turning point in my life. I saw a friend who had lost weight and now looked healthy and radiant. She had a bounce in her step, and I wanted what she had. When asked how she did it, the bottom line was diet and exercise — no fads, no pills, no miracle drug. It was through the simple discipline of healthy eating and regular exercise. I had tried this before and given up count-less times, but this time was different. For the first time in 20 years, I paid for a gym membership.

I think about the women who come to us. They have tried on their own to manage the chaos of their lives only to face failure time and again. They reach out to us, needing help to pull them out of the pit of despair and put them a firm foundation. They are desperate for a change and are willing to step out of their comfort zone to have a fresh start. Something must change!

Now here I was, ready for a change. I wanted to commit to a new lifestyle, but I needed help to attain my goals because I knew from past failures, I couldn’t do it on my own. I will admit, the new discipline wasn’t easy; it felt foreign, and my flesh fought against it, but once I embraced the regimen, the blessing.

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:11

Sometimes a resident can feel discouraged particularly when they must face difficult situations or decisions. We serve as spiritual trainers, coming alongside the women, showing them how to break strongholds, encouraging them when the instruction seems difficult. We rejoice with them as they put feet to their faith and share in their victories.

Part of the help we offer is the discipline of starting and ending the day with prayer. Our staff leads devotions for our residents every morning and again each evening as they open the Word together. By consistently studying God’s instructions for our lives, day in and day out, it offers us the practice of discipline, which grows and develops us as followers of Christ.

“I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.” Ps 119:67

What we offer to all who come to us is a life of order, replacing a life of confusion; a life of victory replaced by failures; a life of self-control replacing instability. These are some of the life disciplines we instill and practice every day at the Women’s Refuge. We impart practical and biblical truths proven to help manage their lives as they walk in the world. Knowing who they are in Christ and knowing the answers to life’s challenges lies between the pages of God’s Word.

“. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Gal 5:22-23

I reached my goal, but I profited so much more! I felt greater peace, developed a deeper relationship with the Lord, had more self-control, became more confident, and had a richer appreciation for the blessings God has given me. I pray this becomes
a new discipline in my life, just like the women who leave here. What peace we have knowing we will never have to struggle alone; God will always be there for us.

In His Grace,
Diane A. Ludwig