Discipline and suffering.

Not many of us read those two words, raise our hands, and shout, “Yes, please! Sign me up for a double portion of that!”

Those very words – discipline and suffering – evoke images of pain and discomfort, two things scientifically proven humans will avoid at all cost.

Yet, our days seem to be filled with suffering in some manner, don’t they?

It might be anything from a broken relationship to a broken appliance; a loss of a loved one to a loss of a job; a longing to be married to a longing for some rest.

Unchecked, suffering can wear us down and cause us to become discouraged and weary.

As Christ-followers, though, we are encouraged to keep discipline and suffering in their proper perspective.

The first 12 verses of Hebrews 12 provide a clear description of how God uses suffering and discipline for our good.

“Endure suffering as discipline…[God] disciplines us for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness.” (vs. 7 & 10 CSB)

Discipline is synonymous with training.

We have all heard stories of athletes who disciplined themselves in order to be their very best at their sport. Their rigorous diets and workouts, early morning conditionings, and regimented daily routines were all part of the training it took to be an amazing athlete.

They disciplined themselves so as to be in shape when it came time to perform.

God uses the suffering in our lives in a similar fashion. We are being trained by it (if we let it), sharpened through it, and challenged to grow and mature to look more like our Savior than we ever have.

Contrary to what the enemy loves to tell us, suffering and discipline are not punishment – God doesn’t hate us.

“My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects…

This trouble [suffering] you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents would leave children to fend for themselves.” (Hebrews 12: 5, 9, and 10 MSG)

What’s the purpose of discipline and suffering then? Why do we go through so much of it?

“…it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.” (vs. 10 MSG)

Through suffering, we grow to become mature in our relationship with God, steadfast in our walk, and anchored in our faith.

We see more deeply how the Scriptures apply to our lives, how rich and deep God’s love for us is in our darkest of moments, and how everything in our lives is used to train and develop us on our faith journey (Romans 8:28).

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!