Hello Advent Family,

 

The Bible talks a lot about going through hard times. It says to consider it pure joy hen we go through trials. It says that we should welcome persecution. Hebrews talks about enduring hardship as an opportunity for God to discipline us so that we can grow. The Bible was written during difficult times for Christians that is certain. Most of the writers of the New Testament of the Bible were in fact killed for their faith. We probably won’t face that level of persecution but we do all walk through difficult times in life. Let’s look at what the author of Hebrews has to say about hard times together today. 

 

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. 9 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. 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.

 

Discipline is never easy or fun but it does work in our lives. Whether it is a parent teach a child things that are not easy but help the child or us being disciplined in our faith lives, discipline is important. When we ignore it our life gets harder. When we learn from it things become better. When we learn to appreciate discipline and even desire it that is when we really begin to grow. May God grant us all a heart that desires His discipline so that we can grow to become more like Him. 

 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave