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, so 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. Hebrews 12:7-11

The author of Hebrews positively uses the word discipline. In our culture, that word has taken on an unpleasant meaning. Discipline is frequently confused with punishment. Punishment comes as a result of wrongdoing, something morally objectionable or criminal. But discipline is best understood as training. In Hebrews, discipline is not called comfortable or pleasant, but it is the portrayal of the Father's love. Painful yes, but it is also fruitful.

We live in a culture filled with many corrupt thoughts. One of the most dangerous thoughts to the development of a man is that hurt equals harm. God does discipline and it is painful, but it is not harmful. Choosing to be adopted as His son means that you will experience His discipline. Know that the outcome of God's correction will always end well, even if it is not pleasant at the moment. Embrace the challenges God gives and look for His lesson. Trust the process and expect that it will produce results in your life.

DO THIS TODAY: Follow God despite the challenge and look for the lesson.