U Mad Bro?
Understanding the difficult tension of God's discipline and trials.
In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.” — Isaiah 12:1
Isaiah 11 powerfully describes a kingdom under the Messiah’s reign. Today’s chapter expresses the heart of someone who has surrendered to the Messiah as King and enjoys the benefits of His reign. This passage led me to reflect on the Old and New Covenants and how God interacts with us differently in each.
In the Old Covenant, God revealed His anger through justice and mercy, always staying true to His perfect character. However, in the New Covenant, God’s anger was fully satisfied in Christ on the cross. The question of "Why are you mad, bro?" humorously reflects the relational tension between a child and a parent. Just as a parent holds a standard for their child’s behavior, God’s standard highlights our brokenness and need for a Savior—that Savior is Jesus. When we enter God’s family, He lovingly disciplines us but never stops loving or comforting us.
Discipline is often challenging to understand at the moment but becomes easier to appreciate as we grow and mature. Hebrews 12:6 beautifully reminds us: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives." This raises an important question: What about trials? What is the difference between trials and discipline?
Distinguishing Between Discipline and Trials
Discipline and trials are not synonymous, and it's important to distinguish them. While discipline is a tool God uses to grow and refine us, not every trial or difficulty in life is necessarily His discipline. Trials may arise simply because we live in a broken world, encounter opposition in our faith, or encounter circumstances that test our endurance.
Discipline: Comes from God’s love to refine or correct us, often revealing areas where we need growth (Hebrews 12:5-11). It’s purposeful and tailored to our spiritual development.
Trials: Can be tests of faith, external challenges, or even spiritual warfare (James 1:2-4). They’re not always connected to correction but can be opportunities for God to strengthen and mature us.
Walking in Confidence, Not Expectation of Discipline
It’s freeing to walk confidently in God’s grace, knowing that His discipline isn’t random or punitive. Because discipline is purposeful and loving, we don’t need to live expecting punishment but instead live expectantly for His guidance and growth.
Instead of focusing on potential discipline, we can trust His promise in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse covers discipline, trials, and even the mundane—they’re all opportunities for Him to work good in our lives.
Trials as Neutral Grounds
Labeling them as discipline or overanalyzing their cause is not always necessary when we encounter trials. Instead:
Focus on how God is with you in the trial.
Trust that whatever the source, He will use it to refine, strengthen, and bless you.
Reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Trials remind us of God’s constant presence, but not every trial is tied to our actions or shortcomings. They often build endurance (James 1:3) or reveal His glory unexpectedly.
Speaking Life and Faith Amid Difficulty
When we’re going through trials, instead of focusing on discipline, we can:
Speak words of faith and life over the situation (Proverbs 18:21).
Trust in God’s goodness, declaring, “He is for me, not against me” (Romans 8:31).
By reframing our mindset, we avoid creating unnecessary guilt or shame and instead lean into the assurance that God’s plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
God’s Grace in Everyday Life
Discipline is part of the journey, but it’s not the defining feature of our walk with God. His love, grace, and presence are the foundation. We can:
Focus on gratitude for His blessings.
Enjoy the freedom of knowing we’re His children, loved unconditionally (Romans 8:15).
Conclusion: Walk in Assurance, Not Expectation of Discipline
You don’t have to carry the weight of anticipating discipline every time you face a challenge. Instead, walk in the confidence of God’s love, knowing that:
If discipline comes, it’s a sign of His love.
If trials come, He’ll use them for your growth.
In all things, He’s working for your good.
This perspective lets us embrace life with hope, joy, and trust in God’s plan, without being consumed by fear of discipline or overly focused on its occurrence.
Never Finished Challenge:
Keep walking in faith, focusing on His grace and the work He is doing to make you more like Christ! Take time to reflect on embracing God’s discipline and pray for His help in accepting it with gratitude rather than resentment.
Think about this: Are you thankful your parents disciplined you wisely, shaping the person you are today? Are you grateful for a coach, teacher, or authority figure who corrected you to help you become the best version of yourself?
If so, how much more should we be thankful for God’s perfect discipline, which not only refines us but is always paired with His perfect comfort?
For your pocket: We Purposely Live With God’s Discipline.
What does today say about God?
I still feel tense thinking about His discipline. Often, I connect it to the terrible earthly discipline I received in three different homes. However, my time with God has corrected and redeemed my perspective—and still is—and given me a perspective that is grateful He takes time to refine me. Thank you, Jesus!