“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” -Hebrews 12:11

Let me tell you something we all know but don’t always like to admit — growth is uncomfortable.

Nobody enjoys correction. Nobody wakes up and says, “Lord, please stretch me today.” When God allows pressure, pruning, or discipline in our lives, it doesn’t feel good. It feels grievous. It feels heavy. It feels unfair at times.

But Hebrews reminds us to look at the afterward.

After the hard conversation.

After the conviction.

After the pruning season.

After the tears.

There is fruit.

God never disciplines to harm you. He disciplines to help you. A loving Father corrects because He sees what you can become. The coach pushes because he sees potential. The gardener prunes because he sees fruit coming.

If you’re in a stretching season right now, don’t quit. Don’t grow bitter. Let it exercise you. Let it shape you. Let it refine you.

Because afterward — not during, but afterward — there is peace. There is righteousness. There is strength you didn’t have before.

What feels heavy today may be producing harvest tomorrow.

Stay faithful. God is working in you, not against you.