You're Not Being Punished, You're Being Trained

When we walk in unrighteousness, it is evident that we will receive the consequences of our actions. However, when you find yourself in hardships, even though you are holy, you’re not being punished; you’re being trained through chastening!

Hebrews 12:5

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:”

But what is chastening? According to the Bible Teacher app -

Chastening refers to the training program that God uses both to destroy the influence of temptation and to engender submission in the heart. It is a systematic process of stripping and restraint, placing an individual in situations and relationships that teach the will of the Lord and introduce them to righteousness and holiness.

The purpose of chastening is to prove the will of the Lord in the flesh and to bring about a righteous response to trials and adversity. It is through the chastening of the Lord that we come to know Him and experience His love and faithfulness. Chastening is a part of the grace of God and is necessary for our spiritual development and growth in Christ. [End of definition]

Chastening doesn't always mean you've sinned; it's God's way of training and refining you. All sons of God are subject to chastening, because that’s how the Father sees fit to raise His children. He conforms them to the image of Jesus Christ, the firstborn.

As you submit to the chastening of the Lord, it sanctifies and matures you. It is not God’s way of unleashing a personal vendetta against you, but rather it is a testament to God’s love and purpose for your life beyond the here and now. As you go through this day, embrace the process of chastening and trust that God’s plan is unfolding, even when it's difficult to understand.