GOD IS TRAINING US. Hebrews 12:7-8 His design is to mold us into His likeness. Trials may be hard, but His perfect work will produce likeness to our Great Model, who was “perfected through suffering.” The trials of chastening increase our faith. There are several words in this paragraph concerning discipline that are significant. “The Lord” indicates His authority and the necessity of “chastisement” from Him, which is for our benefit and expresses parental love, enabling those who are sons and daughters of God not only to “profit” from it personally but, as the word “holiness” implies, to become “partakers of God’s character.”
“God,” the Almighty, “Father of spirits,” desires a heavenly, spiritual family who show evidence of being saved and profit from the “scourging,” governmental dealings, and the chastening that affliction and training produce. Discipline provides a basis for encouragement and a motive for perseverance. It assures us not only that we are children of God but also that there is a work for our Lord that discipline qualifies us for. Training is needed so our abilities and gifts will not only help us live better but also enjoy our lives and work. The training discipline gives equips us to do more and better things for our Lord.
In order for our lives as Christians to be successful, we must learn not to let suffering and disappointments discourage or defeat us. Discipline teaches us to transform suffering, persecution, and opposition into blessings. It enables us to look beyond difficulties and rejoice that we have been entrusted with them to bring glory to our Lord as we go through them. It also provides an example for others who will experience trials and tribulations. Hindrances can become helps, enabling us to be the kind of Christian God wants us to be.
The Lord Jesus Christ showed us by example how closely suffering and blessings are connected. Victory and suffering are also linked, as our “light afflictions” become a “weight of glory that honors our Lord.” A father’s discipline and training develop a child’s character and make him or her more like the father in life and conduct.
A real son knows that his father's attention and affection are not lessened when he is disciplined, and he can be strongly assured that his father sees his potential. He knows the son needs discipline to be effective in all his endeavors. Obedience, opportunity, and even opposition are affected when a well-trained child of God lives in this world, in obvious contrast to undisciplined pleasure-seekers who want only what this world offers.
In this world, we will have tribulation, but correction, training, and the discipline imposed by our Father who loves us yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Sometimes chastisement is really hard to bear, but the end result is what matters.
Through these experiences of chastening, we go forth to comfort others as God comforted us. We are to be messengers of cheer – sons of consolation. Never [1] make light of (despise) the Lord’s discipline or [2] lose heart when He rebukes you. Don’t grow hard and cynical, and let it pass without profit. Don’t faint under it or give in. Remember, “Whom the Lord loves, He chastens.” Correction encompasses the broad scope of general education in raising a child. God is prepared to use all means to educate us.