Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.—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.”—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.

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.—For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.—God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.

1 Pet. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:12, 13; Heb. 12:5; Heb. 12:11; Heb. 4:15; Heb. 2:18; 1 Cor. 10:13

I must admit, I do not welcome trials. I try to run from them. I have learned, though, that God want us to go through them for our own good. I have learned so much from our "trial" and know that I must have really been a wretch before I experienced everything. Why? Because I am still a wretch, and know it.

I do realize now that God cares for me. One way a parent cares for his child is to discipline them, even though it is hard on both parent and child. When I see sin in my children, I want better for them, so need to discipline them. I do not enjoy this. However, I love them too much to allow them to continue in their path of destruction. That is how God is with us, in a way. I know He would not struggle with it emotionally, as I do, but He knows what He knows, and acts for our benefit. It is because we are REAL children, and we are His people. This is only because of Christ and His atonement on the cross. It is not anything that we do, to make ourselves more pleasing to Him.

Still, I really do not like discipline. I do not like to receive it. I do not like to give it. However, I really like the fruit it bears.

Thank you, Lord, for caring about me enough to chastise me!!!