“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:11
Last week I had a conversation with a friend who had been experiencing some trying times and as she lamented, I wanted to console her but didn’t know what to say. To empathise with her, I tried to bring to remembrance what kept me going through difficult seasons. Unable to find the right words to say her, I turned to God, asking him to help me support my friend.
As I scrolled through my bible one evening, I came across Hebrew 12:11. Usually, I am a bit hesitant to share scripture with someone going through a hard time because it can feel as though I do not care about what they are going through and just throwing bible verses at them. Nonetheless, I thought about what it was like going through a difficult time and feeling like it was never going to end and I was super encouraged by this verse.
During these times, it can feel like there is no light at the end of tunnel, no sense of hope or peace. Joy can seem unattainable and the presence of God is nowhere to be found. The truth is in my case, these difficult times did indeed come to an end. They didn’t last forever and now they are a thing of the past. But each time I experienced hardship, I was taken to the next level in my faith and in my purpose. You see, God wants to prepare us so that we can stand and not fall wherever he is taking us.
You may ask “how can I have hope during a trying time?” I plead with you to rely on the promises of God written in Hebrews 12-11. I know it sounds cliche but it is the truth. This difficult season will only last as long as it needs to to produce good fruits within you, it will not overcome you (God won’t allow it). After it is done, enjoy the peace of God and rest in His mercy. If it’s still painful, it is not over yet, your time of rest will come. Rejoice in this confident hope!
Claud jaiyeola
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