Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Lord, how do I recognize the difference between discipline and the normal vicissitudes of life? Lead me to an understanding today.

Lord, I think I am beginning to understand that the trials are those challenges that flow through life, some major and very serious, but many just the everyday ins and outs of life. You use each of these to instruct me into a life of faith and trust in You.

The world watches my response so that a major part of my testimony is that transformation into one who relies on You in all circumstances. Help me. Lord, to maintain that witness.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 69

Mid-day: 119:33-40

Evening: Psalm 145

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.