Here's what ya'll have been waitin' fer...

In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through — all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God?

We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.

Hebrews 12:4-15 (MSG) [emphasis mine]

The concept of "Between a Rock & a Hard Place" is something all of us can relate to because we all have trouble. All of us. Jesus even makes mention of this in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 [emphasis mine]. Beth was specifically addressing those times when we feel stuck between a rock and a hard place - when you feel caught or pressed in on every side.

As Christians, we may experience this a few different ways:

1. When we've made a mess in our lives and we're dealing with the consequences.
2. Perhaps by having a faith crisis with God Himself.
3. We're changing (i.e. growing) and someone around us isn't.

In dealing with Issue #1, Hebrews 12:5 is our encouragement (just click on the orange link to see the verse). Chastisement for a child of God is not simply about the consequences. The word "discipline" in this verse is derived from the Greek word paideuo, which is defined HERE. Thus, to be disciplined is to be well-taught. God is not after pain, He is after us "learnin' the thing." He wants us to learn from our mistakes because He loves us and wants the very best for us. So when discipline comes, humble yourself and receive it!

In dealing with Issue #2, we need to remember that Satan's goal is to get us to shrink back from God (to draw back, avoid, backoff). Ladies, we need to hang onto God with everything we've got!!! No matter how difficult it gets, do not turn your face from Him. Keep an open dialog, even if that means pouring out your hurt and anger to Him - there is great intimacy to wrestling with God.

In dealing with Issue #3, when you are dealing with a difficult relationship in your life there are a few key things to remember:

• Consider things from their perspective.
• Do not let it steal your joy.
• Your "job" is not to fix everyone around you, it's simply fixing your heart before God.

This is just the tip of the iceberg! She went into each issue with great depth and also touched on the topic of bitterness and the danger it can present. (Hebrews 12:15). Good teaching, my friends. Because there was SO MUCH in the way of spiritual nuggets, I'm sure you'll find bits and pieces of the conference laced into future posts as well.