THE SCHOOL OF HARDSHIP

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him.  Hebrews 12:5

As we mentioned previously, there are four reasons God can use physical pain and psychological hurt. One of them is to teach us valuable lessons, preventing far worse destruction later.

The apostle Paul is a profound example of this spiritual principle. He famously experienced an ongoing affliction. Scripture records: “… for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me” (2 Cor. 12:7).

It was not personal sin that caused Paul’s thorn but potential sin. God allowed it in the school of life to teach him humility. Because Paul was uniquely privileged to receive profound visions and divine revelations, this thorn served as a constant reminder of his human weakness before God. Through this, he learned that God’s strength is perfected in weakness.

Joseph provides another powerful example of God utilizing bad circumstances for education. Why did God allow his brothers to hate him, sell him into slavery, only to be falsely accused and placed in an Egyptian prison? Partly because God was preparing him to save nations from a devastating famine. Joseph learned vital leadership and resource management skills while serving in Potiphar’s house and inside the prison walls.

Years later, Joseph confidently told his brothers: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive”  (Gen. 50:20).

Joseph would not have realized God’s plan without facing those hardships. Could it be that God is teaching you an important lesson through your pain? Then you are enrolled in God’s School of Hardship.

Ethan Kallberg