(Hebrews 12:4-6) In your struggles against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.  And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son?  It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

This scripture was foundational for me as a young Christian.  One evening at Bible study, I was sitting distressed over difficulties I had been encountering.  One of the brothers came over to me and said, “the Lord told me to share this scripture passage with you.  It was Hebrews 12:4-6.”  I opened my Bible and read the scripture.  It was a perfect insight at a perfect time.  Tears welled up in my eyes as I took in what God was saying to me.  My whole perspective on Christian life was altered in those few moments.  God was disciplining me because he had accepted me as his son.

(Hebrews 12:7) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.

Going on to read verse seven, I realized how God disciplines his children.  The hardships I was encountering were being used by God to teach me to seek him in times of trouble and to trust him to help me.  This understanding was a big step in my Christian development. 

I continued to read on, and when I came to verse eleven, I found even greater comfort:

(Hebrews 12:11) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Yes, being disciplined is never pleasant, but we need the training to stand against the devil’s schemes and our sinful nature.  Our Father in heaven desires the best for us.  He loves us and is only doing what a good father would do.  Fortunately, he is a perfect father, and he loves us with a perfect love.

I hope you find this as encouraging as I did those many years ago. I’ve learned that God can be trusted through the hard times.  He is always with us.  He is the best Father.