In the Midst of Suffering (Part 4)

Hebrews 12:4-8

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son?  It says, "My son do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."  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 - then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Suffering.  Discipline.  These are two words that none of us like to hear or to experience.  Most of us probably have negative memories of these two words.  However, when you take the time to understand what suffering is and what discipline is, you can begin to appreciate the suffering and the discipline in your life.  Why does suffering exist in this world?  Suffering is a result of our sin.  Suffering can come to us in two ways.  Suffering can come to us in trials.  Trials are the INDIRECT result of all sin in our world.  In other words, when we are suffering through trials it is still a result of sin, but it not directly tied to our personal sin.  For example, Job suffered through trials that God allowed in his life.  God allowed Satan to attack Job in several ways.  Job suffered.  Joseph suffered through trials that God allowed in his life.  Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers.  He was taken from his father and his home and placed in Egypt.  When Joseph was in Egypt he was falsely accused of physically assaulting Potiphar's wife.  He was sent to Pharaoh's prison.  However, we must remember that God allows us to suffer through trials for our GOOD and for His GLORY.  Look at what happens with Job in the midst of suffering.  He worships God; He repents of his own sin; and He is blessed with God's presence.  Look at what happens with Joseph in the midst of suffering.  He remains faithful to God; God continues to bless Joseph no matter where he is and no matter the circumstances.  Yes, God will allow us to go through trials...intense suffering...but for good purposes.

Discipline is a form of suffering God uses in our lives, as well.  Discipline is the DIRECT result of our personal sin against God.  When we suffer through discipline it is directly tied to our own sin.  Moses is known as "the deliverer."  We know how Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt and toward the Promise Land, but we also know that Moses sinned before God.  Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock twice instead speaking to it; Moses was disciplined by God.  He was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the land God would give them (Numbers 20:12).  David is known as "a man after God's own heart."  We know how David stood before the giant when no one else would; he killed the giant with a sling and a stone.  We also know that David sinned before God.   The Bible tells us that David despised God's Word and took Uriah's life and his wife; David was disciplined by God.  David's household experienced death by the sword from that time forward (2 Samuel 12:10).  Discipline is painful.  Discipline is a form of suffering.  However, when you read Hebrews 12:4-8, you can see that discipline is a form of suffering that God uses to bring us GOOD and to bring Him GLORY, just like suffering through trials.  

Many people confuse punishment and discipline when it comes from God's hand.  The Holman Bible Dictionary explains the difference: "Divine discipline is distinct from God's judgment or punishment.  While God's judgment and punishment are meted out on the unrighteous, God's discipline is reserved only for His children."  Discipline in your life from the hand of God is a GOOD thing!  When you look at Hebrews 12, you understand that God only disciplines His children.  God only disciplines His children, and it is an act of His great love.  Hebrews 12:8 is very clear: if we are not experiencing discipline from the hand of God in our lives due to our sin, then we are not true children of God.  So as the writer of Hebrews encourages you, I want to encourage you, as well.  ENDURE HARDSHIP AS DISCIPLINE.  When it comes to godly discipline, the goal is repentance and renewal.  Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."  And again, God uses all suffering - trials and discipline - for our GOOD and for His GLORY.  He can and will bring peace, joy, and ultimately, sanctification to us in the midst of suffering.  If you are suffering through a trial allowed by God, be thankful and rely on God.  If you are suffering through discipline, be thankful and rely on God.  He will never leave you.  He will never quit on you.  God is FOR you, not AGAINST you.