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. (ESV)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)

Dive Deeper

Pain can imprison you to the present. You fixate on this season until you can’t see beyond it: the tragedies, the trials, the tribulations. They tempt hope to give way, and we fight for control and understanding.

“Why is this happening? More importantly, how do I make it go away?” 

Not every trial that enters your life was intended by God for the purpose of correction. Sometimes tragedy happens because of the nature of our world. Sinful. Broken. Fractured. But regardless of why God allows it, whether for correction, faith, or otherwise, we can be sure of one thing—there is an opportunity here for fruit. For growth. And if He wills to do so, He can use it for our good and His glory. 

However, this month’s theme, “pruning,” lets us focus on the trials and afflictions that occur for the sake of fruit through discipline. 

We must first and foremost understand that discipline from God is loving correction. Not punishment. If it were punishment, Jesus’ work on the cross would be in vain. He already received God’s punishment on our behalf. And although there are still natural consequences for our actions, God’s reason for discipline is rooted in His compassion: 

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. - Hebrews 12:10 

So then, in these seasons of trial or discipline, take a step back. Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Look past the present to the hope of the future. God works through the tension for your transformation. It’s not always as fast as we’d like it to be, but it’s on the way. He exchanges pain with peace and purpose—discipline with righteousness. And little by little, He will transform you more into the likeness of His son. 

So, don’t worry about tomorrow, but hope for it. New mercies come fresh in the morning.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. - Hebrews 12:12-13

Written by Keaton Hewitt