Harvest of Righteousness and Peace

Hebrews 12:7-11 "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 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 our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, 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".

A harvest of righteousness and peace!!! What a concept! Sometimes we wish that discipline did not have to occur but if it didn't we would not be true sons of God, heirs to his Kingdom or co-heirs with Christ. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom 8:15-17).

Hardship and discipline are never pleasant at the time but the fruit that they bear in the end make it worth it (although right now it does not feel like it). Please pray that I will trust that God's purposes for me are good. He is a good and great God and he is worthy of our trust.