Maybe you have heard the saying: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” This saying can be attributed to the Secular Philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche who in 1882 authored the statement: “God is dead.” He believed that Christianity only weakened human potential and morality. He would argue that not all suffering leads to strength but that one should embrace suffering in order to become stronger. Yet, ironically this statement finds its truth in Biblical teaching 1800 years prior to his statement.
There is a life truism here. Just like the physical exertion of exercise and intellectual challenges make us stronger so do our responses to the challenges in our life. The pain of physical, mental, relational, financial, and emotional situations in life can contribute to our maturity, if we let them.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that these life challenges actually contribute to our maturity as we embrace God working in us. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1). The writer of Hebrews speaks to the need of participating in the race following the examples of past and living saints who have run before us by focusing on Jesus. It is Jesus’ example, however, that encourages us to push forward when faced with suffering. The Bible refers to this mindset as being disciplined; “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7).
Let me share several brief insights to help you when facing a tough time. First, this is part of God’s work in our life. Reflect on this verse again: “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7). During difficult times God is not always the source, be he has allowed them to help us grow. We see this illustrated in our lives by the correction of our earthly fathers which is hard to appreciate at the time, even though it is for our good. “Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?” (Hebrews 12:9).
We also see God’s work in our lives is driven by love. Every parent knows the difficulties of correcting their children. Doing what is best to help our children develop. Think of all the battles fought with your parents growing up and later the situations you have faced with your own children. Now, I am not saying parents always get it right. Yes, I have corrected the wrong child for an offense committed by a sibling. But the desire to see our kids realize what is best is a demonstration of love. What we illustrate imperfectly our Heavenly Father does with perfection.
Let me leave you with a third insight related to the question we often ask of God: “Why?” “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11). This is why our response is so important.
-Pastor Joe Parkinson