Running fast with heavy loads, climbing trees, jumping over walls, swimming, crawling through bushes, lying motionless…etc. These are some of the daily training routines of youngsters recruited for the special elite force of the army. It was tough, risky and even dangerous. However, rigorous training is a must. The potential soldiers consider training as discipline and not as punishment. When Job went through immense suffering his three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were pretty sure, it was punishment or judgement or just action and reaction of moral laws of nature. However, Elihu steps in and states that this is just discipline of the Lord. Later, Job acknowledges this and is sure he will come out of this suffering like gold. (Job 23:10)
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5,6) The suffering (sickness, loss, bereavement…) a believer goes through is the loving discipline of the Lord for His children.
1) Punishment? Discipline is a process designed by the Master to shape a person according to His plan and purpose. Considering it as punishment is to misunderstand God. Considering God’s discipline lightly or despising or becoming weary of it is foolishness.
2) Progress: Those who wish to be promoted from sepoy to captain of elite force, need to go through the discipline. Progress or growth or promotion is not possible, without the difficult process of special training.
3) Power: Paul had to understand that such suffering could be dealt with God’s sufficient grace and His power exhibited in His weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)
4) Productivity: A gardener prunes the vine to make it productive. (John 15:2) God expects His children to bring forth abundant enduring fruit. That includes Fruit of Spirit as well as Fruit of lips, thanksgiving. (Galatians 5:22,23; Hebrews 13:15)
5) Proof: Discipline in the life of a disciple, is proof of sonship and His love. Fathers delight in disciplining their children. (Proverbs 3:11,12)
Do I have a divine perspective about suffering?