chastening

Have you ever experienced the chastisement of the Lord? The Bible makes clear that he scourges every son he receives, so if you do not experience his discipline you are not within the household of faith. Yet like a good earthly father he will protect you from real harm even as he gives you the discipline you need to form your character. You have a real adversary who is only interested in inflicting real damage. Chastisement is not pleasant, but it is pain with a purpose. Your light afflictions are but for a moment, and they bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, and cannot be compared to the glory to be revealed in you.