Hebrews 12:4-11
Hebrews: Truth That Transforms (Series)
The Christian life promises trials and hardships.
Hebrews 12:4-8
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 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, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline— then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Don’t focus on the dark side of discipline, but focus on it’s many blessings. The Father disciplines His children because He loves them.
When Jeremiah started complaining to the Lord about his problems-
Jeremiah 12:5 AMP
[The Lord rebukes Jeremiah for his impatience, saying] “If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace [where you feel secure], Then how will you do [among the lions] in the [flooded] thicket beside the Jordan?
Stay positive in the small things and trust the Lord and He will do great works through you.
Hebrews 12:9-10
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
There are great rewards for staying positive in Christ, but depression awaits those focusing on themselves.
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.
There are great blessings for those who suffer well.