What God Is Producing
07.03.2026
There are moments when life leaves us tired, not just physically, but spiritually. We find ourselves carrying disappointments, wrestling with difficult people, and wondering why following Christ sometimes feels like an uphill climb. Hebrews 12 was written to people who understood that feeling. Before calling them to pursue peace and holiness, the writer first reminds them that God is at work even through hardship. Sometimes the very struggles we wish would disappear are the tools God is using to shape our hearts.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
- Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
By itself, this verse sounds like another command on an already long list of things Christians should do. But when we read the verses leading up to it, something changes.
The writer has just reminded believers that the Lord disciplines those He loves. Not to punish them, but to mature them. Then he says, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Hebrews 12:12-13). It’s a picture of someone who has been knocked down by life but is being called to get back up because God isn’t finished with them.
Then comes verse 14.
“Strive for peace…”
He doesn’t tell weary believers to isolate themselves. He doesn’t tell them to protect their pride or keep score. He tells them to pursue peace.
That can be difficult when you’ve been hurt. Sometimes we convince ourselves that holding onto resentment somehow protects us from being hurt again. In reality, it often becomes another weight that slows us down in the race God has called us to run.
Peace doesn’t always mean everyone agrees. It doesn’t mean ignoring sin or pretending nothing happened. Sometimes pursuing peace begins with a difficult conversation. Sometimes it means extending forgiveness. Sometimes it means admitting we were wrong. Peace isn’t passive. It’s intentional.
Then we’re told to pursue holiness.
That word can sound intimidating because many people equate holiness with perfection. But holiness is really about becoming more like Jesus. It’s allowing God to shape our attitudes, our priorities, our words, and our decisions. Every time we choose obedience over compromise, forgiveness over bitterness, humility over pride, we are cooperating with the work God has already begun in us.
I love how this passage fits together.
God disciplines.
We respond.
He strengthens.
We keep walking.
He shapes our character.
We pursue peace and holiness.
That’s the rhythm of spiritual growth.
Maybe that’s exactly what someone reading this today needs to hear. You’re tired. You’ve been carrying something heavy. You’re tempted to simply survive another day. But God hasn’t stopped working. The very circumstances you wish He would remove may be the ones He’s using to produce Christlike character in you.
Don’t give up now.
Keep walking.
Keep trusting.
Keep pursuing what reflects the heart of Jesus.
Action Steps
* Read Hebrews 12:5-14 today and notice how God’s discipline leads into His call to pursue peace and holiness.
* Ask God if there is any bitterness, resentment, or pride that is keeping you from pursuing peace with someone.
* Thank God for one difficult circumstance that has strengthened your faith, even if you didn’t understand it at the time.
Challenge for the Day
Instead of asking God to remove every difficulty today, ask Him what He wants to produce in you through it. Then take one intentional step toward peace with someone or greater obedience to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for loving me enough not to leave me where I am. Even when Your work in my life is uncomfortable, help me trust that You are shaping me into the image of Your Son. Give me the courage to pursue peace, the desire to pursue holiness, and the strength to keep walking when life feels difficult. May my life reflect Your grace in every relationship and every decision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
There are moments when life leaves us tired, not just physically, but spiritually. We find ourselves carrying disappointments, wrestling with difficult people, and wondering why following Christ sometimes feels like an uphill climb. Hebrews 12 was written to people who understood that feeling. Before calling them to pursue peace and holiness, the writer first reminds them that God is at work even through hardship. Sometimes the very struggles we wish would disappear are the tools God is using to shape our hearts.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
- Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
By itself, this verse sounds like another command on an already long list of things Christians should do. But when we read the verses leading up to it, something changes.
The writer has just reminded believers that the Lord disciplines those He loves. Not to punish them, but to mature them. Then he says, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Hebrews 12:12-13). It’s a picture of someone who has been knocked down by life but is being called to get back up because God isn’t finished with them.
Then comes verse 14.
“Strive for peace…”
He doesn’t tell weary believers to isolate themselves. He doesn’t tell them to protect their pride or keep score. He tells them to pursue peace.
That can be difficult when you’ve been hurt. Sometimes we convince ourselves that holding onto resentment somehow protects us from being hurt again. In reality, it often becomes another weight that slows us down in the race God has called us to run.
Peace doesn’t always mean everyone agrees. It doesn’t mean ignoring sin or pretending nothing happened. Sometimes pursuing peace begins with a difficult conversation. Sometimes it means extending forgiveness. Sometimes it means admitting we were wrong. Peace isn’t passive. It’s intentional.
Then we’re told to pursue holiness.
That word can sound intimidating because many people equate holiness with perfection. But holiness is really about becoming more like Jesus. It’s allowing God to shape our attitudes, our priorities, our words, and our decisions. Every time we choose obedience over compromise, forgiveness over bitterness, humility over pride, we are cooperating with the work God has already begun in us.
I love how this passage fits together.
God disciplines.
We respond.
He strengthens.
We keep walking.
He shapes our character.
We pursue peace and holiness.
That’s the rhythm of spiritual growth.
Maybe that’s exactly what someone reading this today needs to hear. You’re tired. You’ve been carrying something heavy. You’re tempted to simply survive another day. But God hasn’t stopped working. The very circumstances you wish He would remove may be the ones He’s using to produce Christlike character in you.
Don’t give up now.
Keep walking.
Keep trusting.
Keep pursuing what reflects the heart of Jesus.
Action Steps
* Read Hebrews 12:5-14 today and notice how God’s discipline leads into His call to pursue peace and holiness.
* Ask God if there is any bitterness, resentment, or pride that is keeping you from pursuing peace with someone.
* Thank God for one difficult circumstance that has strengthened your faith, even if you didn’t understand it at the time.
Challenge for the Day
Instead of asking God to remove every difficulty today, ask Him what He wants to produce in you through it. Then take one intentional step toward peace with someone or greater obedience to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for loving me enough not to leave me where I am. Even when Your work in my life is uncomfortable, help me trust that You are shaping me into the image of Your Son. Give me the courage to pursue peace, the desire to pursue holiness, and the strength to keep walking when life feels difficult. May my life reflect Your grace in every relationship and every decision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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