Hebrews 5:8-10 Although he 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 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

There’s a difference between sin and having to learn stuff. Jesus had no sin, yet He “learned obedience” through what he suffered. (The Japanese specifies “many sufferings.”) I’d say He got a perfect score! Certainly He passed the exam in the Garden of Gethsemane with flying colors. The lesson for us is not to complain about what we suffer, but seek God for what He is trying to teach us through it. Too often we kick and flail against suffering, or at best just endure it, when God always has a higher purpose in allowing it. In fact, our attitude toward events and circumstances often dictates whether we perceive them as suffering or not. If we trust fully that God has our best interests in mind, then things become much easier. God told Paul it was hard for him to “kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14) We tend to do a lot of kicking, when God is just seeking to lead us on the right path.

I’ve been having a pretty rough time recently, so this is very timely. Just within the past few days things have piled up, and my patience and trust have been stretched. By God’s grace they won’t break, and I need to remember that. God has used even my weaknesses to accomplish good, and I’ve got to trust Him to continue to do so. The next three weeks promise delights and challenges. I need to respond rightly to both, so that the delights will outweigh the challenges! Just yesterday I gave an exam to my nursing school students, and the scores were all over the place. It is very clear that the determining factor in pass/fail was attitude, even more than ability. It’s a short, 15-week course. Those who had decided from the start that “this is going to be a drag” didn’t do well. Those who were more open minded did much better, even though they had thought they “weren’t good at English” (the subject is Medical English) or that it was difficult. Since I see that in my students, I need to apply it myself! God’s “school” isn’t easy, but He supplies the Holy Spirit as a Tutor, and graduation is certainly something to look forward to!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that Ann and the boys arrived safely last night, even though we were confused about their schedule. I do pray that every minute of their stay would be the blessing that You intend, for them and for us. There is a lot going on that is unrelated to their presence. I pray that I would keep my eyes on You and not lash out at people, even when they are clearly being deceived by the enemy. I pray that in every detail Your perfect will may be accomplished, on Your schedule and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!