Finding Hope in a Challenging SeasonНамуна

No one enjoys parental discipline. Parents don’t like doing it, and children don’t like receiving it. I think every parent has experienced that feeling when your child says to you, “I don’t want to follow your rules, I just want to do what I want”, and there’s at least a small part of you that wants to say, “Fine! Do what you want! See how it goes!”

Discipline is (or at least should be) an act of love, from a parent to a child. In this passage in Hebrews, the connection is made clear, so much so that we’re told anyone who isn’t disciplined isn’t a true son or daughter! Being disciplined as a Christian is a sign that we are loved and legitimate children of our heavenly father.

The truth is, though, it hurts! It’s painful, and often in that pain our thoughts and beliefs get distorted. We think it’s unfair. We believe God doesn’t love us. We blame others for our suffering. We feel sorry for ourselves and seek comfort in whomever (or whatever) will give it to us.

“Experience hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” (v7) What do these words mean for us, given the challenges we are experiencing as Christians today?

One of the most difficult concepts for the human mind to accept (especially for someone in pain) is that two realities can be true at the same time. In our present context, our challenge as Christians is to accept that both “evil forces are attacking the church” and “God is working to discipline and refine the church” are true. Can you recognise the truth of this as you look at the church today?

What does this mean for us? It means we need to submit to God’s discipline and trust that he is leading his church towards holiness, righteousness and peace. Pray these words for yourself and for the church around the world today: “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” (v12-13)