Why is life so hard?
Life can be hard. We are all dealing with suffering of some kind and sometimes it gets too much. The Christians to whom the letter of Hebrews was first written were having a hard time. It was getting too much and they were tempted to give up their faith to try and take the pain away. But giving up our faith to get rid of the pain is like holding our breath hoping it will make running easier. Everyone suffers, whether we have faith in Christ or not - but only those who trust in Christ Jesus have a guaranteed purpose to suffering, and the assurance that He suffers with us as He uses everything for His good purpose, and ours.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:3-11 ESV Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. [4] In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5] And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. [6] For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” [7] 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? [8] If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9] 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? [10] For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. [11] 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.
Bible Study Questions
Is everyone a child of God? (John 1:11-12). What are we before we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ and have been adopted as God’s own children? (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 3:36)
Hebrews 12:3-4 reminds us that Jesus Christ the Son of God became human and experienced all the suffering that sin causes. How does this reminder help us deal with suffering?
Romans 8:28-29 reveals that God remains in control of all things and uses everything for His purpose. What does God do with everything that happens to those whom He loves?
If we have become children of God by faith in Jesus and through His grace, then what can we expect our perfect loving Father to do with us? (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Does God punish His children in anger or discipline us in love? How does our experience of human discipline change the way we understand God’s love? (Hebrews 12:9-10)
Read Mark 8:22-26. Why do you think Jesus doesn’t just restore the blind man’s sight immediately? Why does he lead Him away and heal Him in stages?
What is the effect of God’s loving discipline on us? (Hebrews 12:11)
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You that You have adopted us as Your very own children, by faith in Your Son Jesus and what He did for us. Thank You that He took our punishment for sin, and that Your wrath will never fall on us Your children. Thank You for Your loving discipline and for the way You take time and care in walking with us through all of our lives. Thank You for the way Jesus took the blind man and walked with Him hand in hand. Thank You that we can do the same as we read Your Word and draw near to You in prayer and worship. Please help us to follow Your example by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Service
The friends of the blind man took Him to Jesus and begged Jesus to touch Him. Jesus didn’t just give the man his sight back, but took Him on a walk outside the village and dealt with Him slowly and gently. Who can we take to Jesus in prayer or by invitation? Are we pleading with Jesus to to touch someone’s life? Take time today to consider how we can do that.