God often uses the consequences from the fall, (sin and corruption), which results in our hardship to discipline us, to teach us about Him. We must at that point remind ourselves that God is all loving and powerful so we can trust in His purpose. Knowing this changes our reaction to every difficult thing that comes into our lives. Athletes embrace hardship, including difficult training because they know it is what prepares them to have a possible victory.

If we look at hardship similarly, knowing we have a perfect coach (God) who allows everything for our good, we walk in peace, we have hope, and we quit viewing the pain as taking away from the value of our lives. Many people (not only athletes), work out, and "inflict difficulty" on themselves to get physically stronger. They look past the pain knowing the benefit it brings. However, when other's actions cause us to have physical or emotional discomfort, we tend to fight against it. Whereas there are times when we should defend ourselves physically or remove ourselves from emotionally abusive situations, much of the time the discomfort is the result of normal suffering from the result of another's sin.

IF we keep in mind that our Father is all-powerful and loves us, that he has allowed this difficulty, then we have the opportunity to view difficulty brought on us by others the way an athlete trusts a coach. Even though we may not understand, hardship is promised to mature us in Christ. In fact, it is EXACTLY what God has allowed in our lives to train us. 

We have two choices for what to do with our pain. An earthly view (horizontal thinking) results in us believing that pain reduces the quality of our lives. This is Satan's lie. If we meditate on the truth (vertical thinking) that not only is God using the difficulty to mature us but also that just to have a relationship with us, Christ purposely went through what we would not choose to go through, we will feel so loved and God is glorified! Some of our pain is from our own sin. Just like the physical pain from touching something hot, God allows consequences to redirect, to discipline us toward godliness. 

Consider a toddler just learning to walk.  They fall a lot, either because of a lack of balance or perhaps weak muscles. If the parent always holds the toddler's hands taking weight off their legs, it will take much longer for either balance or muscles to improve. Each time the toddler falls, they learn what does not work. Stumbling step, one after another, makes them stronger. And at last, they can walk!  There's excitement for all. The focus should not be on the falling but rather on the progress. This process also teaches the toddler another crucial lesson, perseverance.   

●    APPLYING THE PARALLEL:  To grow, we need resistance, either self-applied or applied by the world around us. We tend to fight against the difficulties inflicted on us because we do not understand that it is exactly what's necessary for us to grow. As much as we might experience pain watching our children fall, we know that it is a necessary part of them going to the next level, which is walking. God wants to take us to higher levels in our relationship with Him, in our trust in Him. The cry to God of one who is abiding with Christ and comes face to face with the evil in the world could sound like this, "Daddy I am scared but I trust you."  

How have you fought against the difficulty brought on you by other's sin?  If you had viewed it as a workout allowed by God for your good, how would it have changed your reaction? Whether you receive God's discipline or kindness, are you accepting or fighting against God's move to redirect your life? When you fight against God, and you feel that you have gained something, how long does your temporary gain last?

●   "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? (Heb 12:6-7)

●    For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Heb 2:17-18)

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

Always More

Than We

Can Handle