“You have added to the nation, Lord. You have added to the nation; You are honored. You have expanded all the borders of the land. Lord, they went to You in their distress; they poured out whispered prayers because Your discipline fell on them.” Isaiah 26:15-16 HCSB

Great blessings come after discipline. The Lord disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6). We then have two choices: be better or be bitter. We can choose to let the discipline draw us closer to God or we can let it push us away from God. Isaiah’s nation drew near to God and as a result, the nation expanded better than they could have hoped for. 

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 HCSB

https://www.bible.com/72/2ch.7.14.hcsb

“Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.” And God granted his request.”

1 Chronicles 4:10 HCSB

https://www.bible.com/72/1ch.4.10.hcsb

“Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities.”

Isaiah 54:2-3 HCSB

https://www.bible.com/72/isa.54.2-3.hcsb

“But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

James 4:6-10 HCSB

https://www.bible.com/72/jas.4.6-10.hcsb

Will you endure the discipline of the Lord to make you into the perfect pottery for his use? Or will you throw in the towel and tell God this is too much and then be subject to more discipline or maybe even His wrath?

Submit to God and you will grow and expand to the farthest reaches of the world. Resist God and you will only be able to reach yourself.