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. 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.

We see here the blessings of discipline: 1) it is for our good, 2) it creates a closeness to God that allows us to share in his holiness, and 3) it brings a harvest of righteousness and peace.

God is working out circumstances, relationships, career opportunities, ministry challenges and successes, and family dynamics ahead of time to train us to rely on him for our strength. He wants us to develop into good, resilient people who fight for the oppressed and hurting with a relentless passion. He wants our hearts purified to be like his heart. And for the things that excite him, to excite us. And the ambitions we pursue to be godly. He wants the ways we behave and act to be pure and right.

All of this is planned for far in advance of the start of our lives, for our good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬)

Second, hardships draw us closer and closer to God. “Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭27‬-‭28‬). What earthly refuge do I run to when I am afraid, fearful, or worried. Sometimes these are not necessarily physical places, but they are coping, knee-jerk reactions that get me in trouble. Why? Because they originate from the prideful move of not drawing close to God.

Through hardship there is a great harvest of peace. This peace is not peace with the world, though that can be a by-product. It is peace with God. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭27‬). I love this passage because it connects the Holy Spirit given to us, who was left behind as Jesus ascended, with Jesus’ peace in our hearts.

And finally, we gain a harvest of righteousness. God’s right behavior is going before us to open doors as we follow in his footsteps. Just like one of my children might mow a lawn for a widow for free because I have trained him to be kind, so when we are trained by God, in part through hardship, we do the things of God more and more as a result of his godly training. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬)

Lord, teach me to be stronger in drawing close to you in hardship. Help me to resiliently seek you out in challenges. May I be honest about my need and drink freely of your living water!