Monday; September 28

Why do we go through difficult times? This is one of those age-old questions that has puzzled sages from all generations. Even today, we struggle with this dilemma and have come up with several reasons: it might be satan tempting us to reject God ... it could just be living life and experiencing the inherent consequences of earthly living ... maybe it is God putting us in trying situations so that we can grow and become better. There are several possibilities for why life is tough, but one that is not very popular these days is that we could be being disciplined for what we have done. We don’t talk about it a lot, but the New Testament reminds us of God’s interaction with us, “It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”, then notes, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:7, 11). When we face difficulties, could it be that God is trying to change our behavior?


We should be cautious when applying reasoning to God’s actions – we can get into a lot of trouble pretty quickly when we start speaking for God – but, as we look at our lives and our world, let’s not forget that God’s desire is for people to be saved and to live the best lives we can. Since we are human and fallible, we are going to need correction and what is better than Godly discipline?


Are things tough for us? Could it be that God is trying to adjust our lifestyle to make us better and more holy?


Think About It!

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