In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 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,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:4-6
As a child, we're always growing and learning. God directs us and sometimes, it isn't fun, but it is best for us. It grows us and helps us to become better. I think upon all of the early morning workouts before the sun came up when I had to jump in a cold pool! It wasn't fun to be cold and shivering at 5am, but it made me better!
AW Tozer writes, "Religious contentment is the enemy of the spiritual life always. The biographies of the saints teach that the way to spiritual greatness has always been through much suffering and inward pain. No one ever enjoyed a cross, just as no one ever enjoyed a gallows."
Just as I didn't enjoy the cold, wet workouts, I did like the results and that's what the author of Hebrews and Tozer are saying. Keep striving forward and embrace the challenges because that's one way we grow!
Join me in reading Hebrews 12 and be encouraged!
