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With these words, the author of Hebrews begins a lengthy discussion
of discipline. He points out that God, like any good parent,
disciplines God's children. Now, before proceeding, it is important
to understand that the writer is not trying to explain why bad
things happen. Not all trials are from God, in fact, most trials
are probably not from God. But he is saying that, on occasion, we
face adversity so that we might be shaped and formed by that
adversity. If we think back over the trials of our own lives, do we
not see how they shaped us in ways both good and bad? The positive
effects of enduring and experiencing trials may flow from the God
who claims us as children.
So, how should we understand all this? Should we be angry at God?
No, we should understand that discipline occurs because we are not
as we should be. None of us are perfect. None of us are getting it
right. We all need constant formation and transformation, and we
should count ourselves as fortunate that God, rather than abandoning
us, seeks to shape us through means both joyous and tragic. We
should never for a minute assume that something painful that is
occurring in our lives is from God, but neither should we assume
that God is absent in that pain. Instead, we should seek God there,
search our struggles for God's truth, and ask ourselves if this
event that is causing us to struggle may, in the long run, transform
us. Hebrews is clear that God disciplines us, and for this, we
ought to be grateful.
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Prayer: Holy God, help me in the challenges in my life,
and help me to find meaning in my trials. I want to be a better
disciple and I want to grow closer to you. Please give me the
strength to endure and the wisdom
[text from file received from Phil Blackburn,
First Presbyterian Church]
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