Title
The School of Hard Knocks
Scripture
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:11)
Devotional
I have learned few valuable lessons through laughter. Yet I have learned much through life's sorrows. There is much to be said about the "School of hard knocks" and the adage, "No pain, no gain." To be chastened is to be corrected and to be corrected is to be instructed and to be instructed is to learn. Therefore when life's hard lessons come your way, do not lose heart. As a believer we can know for sure, "That all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."[17] The harder the lesson the greater "The peaceable fruit of righteousness." Keep in mind, "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives."[18] Are you being chastened? Learn from it quickly and receive its reward.