…”and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom he recieves’ - Hebrews 12:5-6 (Job 5:17, Proverbs 3:11)

It’s important to keep the concept of God as our father at the forefront of our lives, as we face various trials.  If we are sons and daughters of God, then we should expect discipline, as the author of Hebrews points out.  “…for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (7b)

The author progresses to urge us to remember we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, and exhorts us to be subject to our heavenly father in the same respect.  Sometimes we can become confused by what appears to be difficult or tumultuous circumstances or situations, but I think it’s important we remember to rest on the promise of our Father in heaven.  “…but He disciplines us for our own good, so that we may share His holiness.” (10b)  The fruit of such discipline is a peace only given by God.

It’s not always easy to be joyful in such times, often God leads me directly to where I’ve fallen short or failed to devote myself fully to Him.  Praise be to the God and Father who loves us enough to build us through discipline.