The author of Hebrews emphasizes that experiencing difficult times doesn't mean God is punishing us or has forsaken us. Sometimes, God uses hardships to guide us away from sin (Hebrews 6:7-8). At other times, we are given opportunities to grow and strengthen our faith; this is like the relationship between a parent and child—that is why the author of Hebrews uses the word “trained.” The Greek word means “vigorous exercise.” God’s discipline may be uncomfortable, but it is like an athlete’s training. The athlete feels pain during the workout but later benefits from the growth that results. Similarly, our faith matures as we go through God’s discipline, leading us to produce “fruit of righteousness.”

Main Text: Hebrews 12:10-11 (ESV)