The Pain That Produces Peace
02/18/2026
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
If we’re honest, none of us wake up in the morning praying for discipline, at least I don’t. It’s not on the top of my list.
We pray for blessing.
We pray for favor.
We pray for others.
We pray for breakthrough.
But rarely do we pray for the painful process that actually prepares us for those things.
The writer of Hebrews doesn’t sugarcoat it: discipline is painful. It stretches us. It exposes weaknesses. It confronts pride. It corrects habits. It pushes us into places we would not naturally choose.
But notice the phrase: “Later on.”
That’s where faith lives.
A farmer doesn’t plant seed on Monday and demand harvest on Tuesday. There is soil work. There is watering. There are storms. There are days where nothing seems to be happening at all. But beneath the surface, roots are forming.
God’s discipline works the same way.
Sometimes discipline comes through correction. Sometimes through hardship. Sometimes through a closed door. Sometimes through a season where growth feels slow and uncomfortable. As a pastor, I’ve walked with many people through those seasons. I’m fact, I’ve lived through them myself. The moments I would not have chosen were often the ones that shaped me the most.
We have to believe that the discipline of God is not punishment, it is formation.
He is not trying to harm us. He is training us.
The verse says it produces “a harvest of righteousness and peace.” Not chaos. Not confusion. Peace. But only “for those who have been trained by it.” That word trained implies cooperation. Leaning in. Submitting to the process. Trusting the Father’s hand even when it stings.
Just like a coach pushing an athlete past comfort.
Just like a parent teaching a child boundaries.
Just like a refiner heating gold to remove impurities.
We will find purpose in the pain.
And the peace that comes later is deeper than the comfort you would have chosen now.
Today, if you find yourself in a stretching season, don’t waste it. Ask God, “What are You forming in me?” Because on the other side of this process is maturity, stability, and a righteousness that cannot be shaken.
Action Steps:
• Identify one area where God may be disciplining or refining you.
• Instead of resisting it, thank Him for loving you enough to shape you.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with humility instead of frustration.
• Write down what kind of “harvest” you hope this season will produce.
Today’s Challenge:
When discomfort shows up, don’t run from it. Lean into it. Let it train you. Trust that the “later on” is coming.
Father,
Thank You that Your discipline is evidence of Your love. When the process feels painful, help me to remember that You are shaping me for something greater. Give me the humility to be trained by You. Produce in me a harvest of righteousness and peace that reflects Your character. I trust You in the stretching. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
If we’re honest, none of us wake up in the morning praying for discipline, at least I don’t. It’s not on the top of my list.
We pray for blessing.
We pray for favor.
We pray for others.
We pray for breakthrough.
But rarely do we pray for the painful process that actually prepares us for those things.
The writer of Hebrews doesn’t sugarcoat it: discipline is painful. It stretches us. It exposes weaknesses. It confronts pride. It corrects habits. It pushes us into places we would not naturally choose.
But notice the phrase: “Later on.”
That’s where faith lives.
A farmer doesn’t plant seed on Monday and demand harvest on Tuesday. There is soil work. There is watering. There are storms. There are days where nothing seems to be happening at all. But beneath the surface, roots are forming.
God’s discipline works the same way.
Sometimes discipline comes through correction. Sometimes through hardship. Sometimes through a closed door. Sometimes through a season where growth feels slow and uncomfortable. As a pastor, I’ve walked with many people through those seasons. I’m fact, I’ve lived through them myself. The moments I would not have chosen were often the ones that shaped me the most.
We have to believe that the discipline of God is not punishment, it is formation.
He is not trying to harm us. He is training us.
The verse says it produces “a harvest of righteousness and peace.” Not chaos. Not confusion. Peace. But only “for those who have been trained by it.” That word trained implies cooperation. Leaning in. Submitting to the process. Trusting the Father’s hand even when it stings.
Just like a coach pushing an athlete past comfort.
Just like a parent teaching a child boundaries.
Just like a refiner heating gold to remove impurities.
We will find purpose in the pain.
And the peace that comes later is deeper than the comfort you would have chosen now.
Today, if you find yourself in a stretching season, don’t waste it. Ask God, “What are You forming in me?” Because on the other side of this process is maturity, stability, and a righteousness that cannot be shaken.
Action Steps:
• Identify one area where God may be disciplining or refining you.
• Instead of resisting it, thank Him for loving you enough to shape you.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with humility instead of frustration.
• Write down what kind of “harvest” you hope this season will produce.
Today’s Challenge:
When discomfort shows up, don’t run from it. Lean into it. Let it train you. Trust that the “later on” is coming.
Father,
Thank You that Your discipline is evidence of Your love. When the process feels painful, help me to remember that You are shaping me for something greater. Give me the humility to be trained by You. Produce in me a harvest of righteousness and peace that reflects Your character. I trust You in the stretching. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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