When we suffer, struggle, or face disappointments the first thing that enters our mind is that God is punishing us. Hebrews seems to agree - we are being formed and disciplined by a loving God. Perhaps we need to change the language a bit - God is not punishing or chastising us - no need to! Life itself will deal out quite enough without any outside help. But our reaction or response to these things is very important - this will determine if we grow through the experience. Mere endurance is not enough. Some things we can change, others we cannot. But in all situations we need to respond with patience, love, and a sense of inner peace. When we do that, we are in harmony with God and we are transformed. Each day will present us with the lessons and opportunities that we need in order to grow towards the light of God.

Sometimes our instruction will come from surprising sources. Those in Jesus' hometown could not accept him because they knew him and his family. Their doubt and lack of faith actually limited the power Jesus was able to work on their behalf. Often we find it difficult to accept lessons and insights from those most familiar to us. But nearly everyone has something to teach us if we observe carefully. Let us not be too quick to judge the source and close our minds.