"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" (Hebrews 12:11).

Yesterday the farmer harvested the large cornfield across the road from our house.  The harvesters worked hard all afternoon and into the night.  It's a blessing to witness a harvest and be reminded of the various Scripture portions that draw a parallel between this and the spiritual harvest.

The first portion of the daily verse is a simple truth all of us, even a young child, can attest to. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." The context draws a parallel between the discipline of a loving earthly father and that of our loving heavenly Father. Among the clear Biblical mandates for a father is the discipline of his children. Our heavenly Father also disciplines His children and we know at times His discipline (not to be confused with punishment) may certainly not be pleasant and may indeed even be painful.

But the previous verse has a tremendous truth that we do well to settle deep in our hearts. "God disciplines us for our good."

There is a promised consequence to God's discipline. "Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 

Especially note the two words "later on". "Later on" is unspecific as to the timing and this is what makes it so very hard. So many of us are waiting for that "later on" to take place in our life, not knowing when it will take place.  But God's Word is sure and His promises are steadfast. "God disciplines us for our good."

Some of you are in the very midst of a discipline that is by no means pleasant. It may be very painful.  Perhaps you've been let down and disappointed.  You just can't figure out what God is up to in your life. You may even feel forsaken.  And at this time you don't have any idea how your situation will ever work out.  (I've experienced all the above).

Consider those words "later on" and the wonderful promise of God that follows.  Let it minister to your heart and fill you with hope and encouragement as you diligently wait for that most certain "later on" that will come to pass.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

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Brooksyne's prayer – Jesus, we live in a world where "waiting" seems almost inconceivable for everyday needs.  Because of marvelous technological breakthroughs we get instant mail, same day deliveries, immediate test results, meals in two minutes, and the list goes on and on.  But, Lord, You work in our lives day after day, year after year and season upon season.  We are promised eternal life if we place our trust in You, but the process of walking in obedience to You day after day doesn't  always yield instant gratification.  Lord, You are developing fruit in my life as I am in the waiting process.  I've seen faithfulness, self-control, endurance, patience and other fruit grow in my spiritual walk as I am being disciplined.  I find myself anticipating Scripture reading and my prayer time with You.  And I find myself thinking more and more about future events when I will be home with You in heaven.  When I hear You say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", the disciplines of this life will bring unsurpassed righteousness and peace."

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"A Story of Eternal Perspective" is one of the most remarkable testimonies I have ever read concerning this topic. I cry every time I read it.

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Context of daily Scripture passage