Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children…He disciplines us for our good…No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

 So much of our lives that we see as needless, random suffering or bad luck is, in actuality, a divinely arranged opportunity to learn, grow, and become.  Culturally, we have learned from a very early age to avoid, like the plague, discomfort on any level.  We mistakenly avoid these chances to develop by running away, or by drowning these challenges in an ocean of distractions readily available to us in the forms of materialism, entertainment, accomplishment, and ambition.

Next time you find yourself in trouble, conflict, confusion, discouragement, or even loss…before engaging the old familiar default of fight and/or flight…ask yourself, “What is the Lord teaching me?” “What am I being trained in right now, and how might that be useful in future circumstances and relationships?”  I encourage you that not only will you look at your life differently, but there will be a deep peace that begins to cover you as your realize that God has allowed you to experience this for a reason, for your ultimate good.

 Try it, and see.