7 Put up with hard times. God uses them to train you. He is treating you as children. What children are not trained by their parents?
8 God trains all of his children. But what if he doesn't train you? Then you are like children of people who weren't married to each other. You are not truly God's children.
9 Besides, we have all had human parents who trained us. We respected them for it. How much more should we be trained by the Father of our spirits and live!
10 Our parents trained us for a little while. They did what they thought was best. But God trains us for our good. He wants us to share in his holiness.
11 No training seems pleasant at the time. In fact, it seems painful. But later on it produces a harvest of godliness and peace. It does that for those who have been trained by it.
12 So lift your sagging arms. Strengthen your weak knees.
13 "Make level paths for your feet to walk on." (Proverbs 4:26) Then those who have trouble walking won't be disabled. Instead, they will be healed.