Suffering as Formation — Learned Obedience
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And His completed experience making Him perfectly equipped, He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9). James calls it joy: 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete — teleios — not lacking anything' (James 1:2-4). The same word Hebrews uses for Jesus: perfected through suffering. Paul confirms: 'Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope' (Romans 5:3-4). The theodicy verse that runs through every testimony: 'We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him' (Romans 8:28). Not all things are good. All things work together. My pain wasn't in vain.