Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Hebrews 12:7-14 (ESV)
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Parents administer discipline so that we might mature. God works out a similar maturation process within us and while we are growing wants us to share the peace He has given us. When others see that we endure this life with a peace that surpasses understanding they will know that God is at work in us. Take time to think of one person, at the very least, who you have been struggling with lately. Give that person over to God, ask the Spirit to give you peace in that relationship and strive to live in peace with them that they might “see the Lord” and find peace, as well.