The Training of Trials - March 14

Read Hebrews 12:11

“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 in 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.

Reflect

How has God used trials to train you?

If you’re a parent, you probably know the feeling of wanting to step in and solve all the problems of your child. There are definitely situations that require a parent’s intervention, but there are many situations where the child will grow more by tackling the hard situation themselves. As hard as it may be, the wise parent knows that at times, they need to step and support their child rather than just fixing the problem outright.

In today’s passage, we learn a similar lesson about our Heavenly Father. The author of Hebrews compared the way God disciplines us to the way a father disciplines his children. He loves them so much that He allows them to struggle because He knows that is what they truly need.

In God’s eyes, we’re His children, and we can say confidently that at times we’d prefer if God just solved our problem for us. But many of us could probably attest that our faith and our character have grown in ways that would not have been possible without those trials which tested us.

Theologian Dr. Warren Wiersbe explained: “The key word in this section is chastening. It is a Greek word that means ‘child training, instruction, discipline.’ A Greek boy was expected to ‘work out’ in the gymnasium until he reached his maturity. It was a part of his preparation for adult life. The writer viewed the trials of the Christian life as a spiritual discipline that could help a believer mature. Instead of trying to escape the difficulties of life, we should rather be ‘exercised’ by them so that we might grow (Hebrews 12:11).”

As children of God, it is sometimes difficult for us to understand why our Father doesn’t always step in to rescue us. We wonder why He allows the pain and the suffering in our lives. We wish for a life of comfort and ease. But God knows, that isn’t what is best for us. Like the training of an athlete, trials stretch us and strengthen us. Like the discipline of children, trials help us to grow and mature. The author of Hebrews is right. In the moment, this “workout” or this “discipline” isn’t pleasant. Sometimes, it’s downright painful. But when we’ve been trained by it, we’ll see the fruit of righteousness and spiritual peace. It will be worth it!

Respond

Father, I confess that I often wonder why You allow hardships and suffering in our lives. But, I understand that You discipline me because You love me. Like a parent disciplines their child, You know what is best for me. I trust You, Lord. Help me to endure the training. Teach me, so that I will bear “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Amen.

Reveal

Share with a friend how God has used trials in your life to train you and explain the impact that has had on your faith and your character.