Hebrews 12:7 “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
One of the great evidences that we are Children of God is that He “dealeth with” us “as” a father “dealeth with” his “sons”; that is, He lovingly chastens us to correct us, to direct us, and to strengthen us in His service. Those “without chastisement” are not His “sons” (Hebrews 12:8). We are charged to “be in subjection unto the Father of spirits” (Hebrews 12:9); for, He “chasteneth” us “for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” (Hebrews 12:11). Our God-given “faith” compels us to be of good courage in times of “chastening” and to “lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:12-13). Our chastening troubles can become so severe that discouragement sets in and we become weak and trembly; in these times, we are encouraged to “lift up the” tired and weak “hands” and to stay on the “straight paths” of obedient service to our Lord; for, in these “straight paths” we will surely, eventually find peaceful recuperation and joyful healing in the faithful service to our Lord!