Hebrews 5:8-9 – Although [Jesus] was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (NIV)

Most of the lessons that we learn about life usually come through some sort of trouble or suffering. Pain and pressure, heartache and hard knocks have ways of strengthening us after we endure them. We may not have chosen that way for ourselves, but what we gain through suffering is patience, endurance, and character.

According to today's verses, Jesus also experienced this. As a human being, He was subjected to all sorts of pain, humiliation, conflict, and even shame. But in the end, He endured because He stayed on the path that God had laid out before Him. His suffering led to perfection because of His obedience; that perfection has won for us forgiveness and absolution, salvation and everlasting life.

Application: Consider your present circumstances and how some negative experiences have actually made you into a better person. Would you have learned those important lessons in any other way?

Prayer: Lord God, be with us when we go through times of trouble, suffering, and pain. Grant us the strength to endure, and teach us real lessons about life, faith, and love. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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