Most of us don't ask for trials and hardships, and even more, most don't recognize their benefit when they come. We know that a great trainer will put their subjects through stressful training to bring about physical fitness. However, do we know that God also allows situations in our lives to train us and refine us? Most of the time, they are no fun. But be assured, they have the power to create a life that looks like Christ. The real son is a son who will trust his heavenly Father and obey. 

Heb 12:5-11 "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 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.

Sometimes when things are difficult, we are tempted to think that God is against us and does not want to help us with our situation. During these times, we tend to beg God, asking him to change our challenging state of affairs, but God is trying to use those very situations to bring about our best! As the Scripture above states, someone who is a genuine child of God will go through discipline. A wise son trusts his father's discipline, and a wise son obeys. Apostle James takes this concept even one step farther – take a look! 

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If we trust in the love of God for us, and if we know he has made us perfect forever (Heb 10:14), then we know that whatever we're going through will turn out for our good! (Romans 8:28) Oh, yes! Your best is yet to come! 

I assure you; this will be one of the most important lessons of life to learn! Instead of getting bitter, get better! Instead of giving up, press on and see the wonderful plans of God fulfilled in your life. I am praying for you today and asking God for new empowerment to live your life as… 

A REAL SON 

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