Do I love His discipline?  For that matter do I love discipline at all?  If I struggle against that which I know is best for my growth, resilience and longevity, how then may I trust my own apparently contrary decisions?  What builds faith?  TRIALs, followed by the salve of God’s enduring mercy, healing and deliverance.  Since it is impossible to please God without faith and the expression of mature faith is the single greatest element in verifying belief then wouldn’t, no shouldn’t I pursue instruction through discipline or any other effective measure?  In effect I ought to invite and cherish discipline, appreciating fully the stretching of my character brought about by trials.

Then from a non-personal sense, knowing that God’s miracles are always innovative result of God’s Holy Spirit acting in this world, shouldn’t I welcome the opportunity and circumstance that is perfect at preparing me as conduit for such innovation?  The word counsels us to humility, readiness, maintaining a Holy Focus and inclining our ears and hearts toward God.  If discipline or loss be the paramount tools at achieving these wanton states then shouldn’t I seek their visitation enthusiastically?  Ought I seek those opportunities to welcome discipline’s productive hand upon my flesh, mind and spirit?  Instead of complaints wouldn’t you hear my revised voice of thankfulness?

Replace my desire for comfort with a belief in the healing power of hunger.  Prepare my hands, muscles and mind with the strengthening aspects of endurance making me relatively impervious to adversity.  Let me walk, spreading the joyous Word of God, never once considering frailty, falter or slumber.  Take away the fat of a wanton man replaced by the lean of a tested worker for Christ.  Thresh out my doubt replaced with the untouchable knowledge and faith in God’s promised and perpetual victory for us all.