Weather the Storm
Discipline Series
“Ask that God grant you endurance and long-suffering to be able to weather the storms in life and grow in his grace…”
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
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Explanation:
The original hearers of the epistle to the Hebrews were being tempted to return to Judaism, especially in light of the persecution they were facing. The point of the letter is to encourage believers in Jesus to stay in their faith, and to paint a more detailed theological picture of the superiority of Jesus to the sacrificial system that the Jews knew so well. In light of this question, the author goes on to expand on the reason for their present suffering, and to ensure them that God is at work in their affliction. His point is that even if our worldly Fathers disciplined us, and we are grateful for it. How much more can we trust and embrace our heavenly Father’s discipline, so that we may partake and share in his holiness.
Connection:
Some things in life can only be taught by experience. Growing up, we tend to think we know much more than we do. We deem ourselves as wise beyond our years. To be sure, with youth always comes folly, but it was not until I became a Father myself that I could comprehend the value in discipline and learning from my mistakes. Where I once saw pointlessness and inconvenience I now saw as valuable times of growth in God's grace. Because of this, while I, by no means, enjoy disciplining my daughter, I know that in the long run it will be good for her.
We all understand this to some degree. Anyone who has ever spent an hour in the gym can attest that there is no gain without pain. The little I learned through becoming a father was at least enough for me to understand the dynamic of God's relationship with his people. "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives" notes the author of the Hebrews. Soil cannot bring forth fruit lest it is tilled, and a bush cannot grow tall and glorious unless it is pruned. So also does our Lord work in our own lives. During the time we are undergoing his discipline, our sufferings seem pointless. However, God is always at work in the bad things that happen, in order that he may be glorified in bringing good out of them.
Action:
1. Embrace the Trial -
We sometimes gear every aspect of our lives towards convenience and the elimination of even superficial suffering. However, while we don't go looking for crosses to bear, we can embrace them when they are imposed upon us - using the opportunity to grow closer to our Lord, who has endured every aspect of human life, yet did so without sin (Heb 4:15).
2. Pray for Endurance -
Much of our walk with Christ is going to be difficult. Jesus described it as carrying a cross (Mark 8:34). Therefore, ask that God grant you endurance and long-suffering to be able to weather the storms in life and grow in his grace (Romans 5:3-4). Ask that God turn your sorrows into hope, that others may too rejoice in Christ our redeemer.
3. Seek Wisdom -
Times of discipline are also often times where we are forced to make difficult decisions. It is important during these instances that we are seeking God's face and asking him to grant us wisdom, so that we can channel our suffering towards faith, hope, and righteousness (James 1:5).