Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
(Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT)
Have you ever watched a trainer push the one he is training? What about a drill sergeant in the military yelling at his new recruits? We have enough knowledge of these situations to understand there is purpose in what seems like unfair treatment of those under their instruction or command and therefore do not question it. Why then do we not understand that God allows us to be tested? With tender mercy He draws us in, cleans us and cares for us as a mother would for her new born child. I ask you this do we stay as infants or do we, like any other life, grow? If we are not growing the question needs to be asked exactly who it is we are following because The Lion of Judah is on the move and those who are with Him are moving too. We have allowed the world’s excuse for not following a God who would allow bad things to happen to good people saturate our own mind set.
If we are truly God’s then we own nothing not even rights to our own life because our life is no longer ours but His and if we are to be used by Him do you not think there is training to go through. Who are we to tell our Lord what that training should look like? Will tragedy beset you, will injury disable, will poverty cripple or by faith will these things make you more determined because you have just enough insight to know that God is good and like the trainer and drill sergeant the One we follow has a higher purpose even though we cannot see it with our own eyes. You see the things that are lost are not the things God needs and if you will just hold on you will see what the Master is building inside of you will propel you onto His good works and you will become an instrument of His glory!
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
(Hebrews 12:11-13 NLT)
Many have hardened their hearts towards God because they felt what He required was too much and instead took what they felt was needed now, like Esau they traded their birthright for a simple bowl of stew and even though he wept bitterly afterwards it was too late for repentance. The same will happen to those who turn from the Lord to take the easier route and on the day of judgment when all will give an account of what was done with the life God gave us for those even though they will see the error of their ways it will be too late.
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai His voice shook the earth, but now He makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
(Hebrews 12:25-29 NLT)
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