"Though He [Christ] was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered."
Our Lord Jesus Christ has been where we are--yet without sin. Still, His sufferings on our behalf were much more severe and difficult, than anything God asks us to endure. We also, like our Savior, "learn obedience by the things which [we] suffer."
Therefore, it is wisest to look to the lovely end result, rather than the present unpleasantries, when we go through hardships and trials. The goal of Christlikeness is certainly worth whatever it requires. Christ made it all the way to the end of His ministry. By grace, all His children will, as well.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God set His love from eternity upon this and that person, as particularly as if there were no other chosen than he." --Jonathan Edwards, in the book, "On Knowing Christ"]
