As an athlete, it just makes sense to subject yourself to the pain of getting in shape and staying there. It is no different with self-improvement! How about becoming a stronger, wiser person filled with joy? It can be hard to get in shape, whether physical or spiritual, and the truth is that both feed your emotional health.
Why do we have to suffer emotional pain and hardship? Only you know if it is correction from sin in your life, designed to lead you running back to your Father; or a time of instruction for you, sending you delving into His Word. But one thing I am completely confident of is that it is not a waste of time, hurt, or hardship. You can trust your Father. A new strength is being developed in you by God for a good purpose. Just like an athlete knows that muscle fibers must be torn to grow, this breaking of you will be the making of you. A new you. A stronger you.
Let's take a look of Hebrews 12:11 (KJV). “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.” Suffering on any level is miserable, but after you get through it, you will be stronger. Here it says you will have peace and increased righteousness, becoming more like our Lord! And do not allow yourself to become troubled by allowing yourself to be bitter in your suffering, (V.15) for then all your suffering will have been a waste of time. Your choice to grow begins the process of healing and development of the fruit of the Spirit, leading you into a joyous depth of intimacy with Christ! He also learned from suffering! Hebrews 12:3 speaks of Christ's suffering on the Mount of Olives; “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” He did that for you, and He will help you through this.
The struggle is worth the reward my friend! Count it all joy to be facing struggles, for those the Lord loves, he chastens (Hebrews 12:6). Just like a good earthly father, He wants you to grow and develop righteousness character like His! He loves you and has a future so glorious planned for you that you won't even remember the suffering you face now! I truly believe it, because God says it.
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