Learning Obedience Through Suffering
My husband and I talk a lot about natural consequences as we parent our children. Just this last week, we were eating at Chick-fil-A (as you do with a bunch of children in tow), and my almost 3-year-old was INSISTENT on eating a bite of my spicy chicken sandwich.
I had set my sandwich down, and as he picked it up to take a bite, I quickly said, “No, don’t eat it, it’s spicy.” However, instead of obeying, he opened his mouth wide, stuffed the breaded chicken inside, and bit down. Not more than a couple of seconds later, tears fell, his mouth opened, and he started desperately looking around for a drink, needing relief. He experienced a natural consequence.
Later that week, we were back at Chick-fil-A (yes, I recognize it’s a problem, haha), and this time, my son eyed my sandwich after finishing his nuggets and asked if it was spicy. When I answered yes, he quickly told me he wouldn’t eat it. He learned obedience through his suffering.
As I’ve been studying and teaching Hebrews, this concept has been on my mind:
Hebrews 7:8-9 says,
Although Jesus was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
Jesus, in his humanity, learned obedience through His suffering, just like he learned to walk, feed himself, or read. However, unlike us, His suffering was never a result of sin. Instead, His experiences, surroundings, and calling led to suffering.
In the Garden of Gethsamane, Jesus was “sorrowful even to death (Matthew 26:38), but ultimately learned that obedience through submission to the Father was both better and needed.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39b).
I think this concept is hard for us to fully grasp since we know Jesus is omniscient, but I love how Kent Hughes explained it:
“This does not mean Jesus passed from disobedience to obedience. Nor does it mean that he developed from imperfection to perfection. The idea is that He became complete in his human experience.”
Complete in His human experience. Fully God. Fully man.
So, why does this matter?
It means we can face suffering with joy like it says in James 1:2. We can learn obedience and pursue holiness because we have a God who understands what it is to suffer and yet submit to the Father’s will. We can experience consequences, learn from them, and better trust that obedience to the Father truly is for our good and His glory.
My toddler may not fully recognize it, but now, when he hears me say, “Don’t eat, it’s spicy,” Lord-willing, he will remember the burning feeling on his tongue and trust me that I’m keeping it from him for his good.
Because Jesus was obedient, “He became the source of eternal salvation.” We are saved by grace through faith because Jesus obeyed the Father. Now, we, too, have the opportunity to obey what the Father asks of us.
Let this be your encouragement to walk the path of sanctification day by day, keep your eyes on Him, and choose joy in your suffering.
Resources and Recommendations
Books I’ve Read Lately:
Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons
If you’re in a season where life feels mundane, or you constantly feel like you’re waiting for the next thing, this is the perfect read! Ruth does a great job of relating, drawing you in, and then pointing you to the truths of Scripture to better live in the “Now and Not Yet".
Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlin
In this book, Rebecca takes a scholarly approach to looking at the lives of the women who met Jesus. Her insights are fascinating, and it’s helped me to view the women in the Gospels in a new light. It’s not a super quick read, but it’s a good one!
Recommended Resources
As we approach Easter, it’s a great time to think about preparing our hearts, whether you observe Lent or not. However, this year, She Reads Truth (and He Reads Truth) is walking through Isaiah, and it’s a BEAUTIFUL study. Full Disclaimer: my sister’s art is featured, and I’m so proud! You can find more of her art here ;).
Speaking of Easter, I’ve shared this in the past, but if you’re looking for an easy way to share the Easter story and talk about the resurrection with your kids this season, these are wonderful! We’ve used them for several years, and it always leads to excitement and good conversations. Reach out if you have questions about how my family uses them!
*I don’t get any perks or commissions from those links. I just enjoy sharing resources that have helped my family keep our eyes on Jesus.
Questions and Answers
Where can I order “Unhurried”?
I truly can’t believe we are less than a month away from book release! There are a lot of moving pieces, and as a first-time author, I feel like I’m learning as I go. THANK YOU for encouraging, supporting, and praying with me in this season.
Pre-orders are open, and you can get the book anywhere books are sold. Here are some links for you.
Send me an email with your confirmation number once you pre-order (samantha@samanthadeckerwrites.com), and I’ll add you to our list to receive some fun freebies in the coming months ;).
By the way, pre-orders and reviews are HUGE for authors (especially new authors). They help to build early momentum and show demand for the book. I’m asking God to do what He wants, and am praying that every person who reads this book takes further steps to know Christ and be more like Him.
How do I join the “Launch Team”?
Instead of a traditional launch team, I’m asking 2 things:
Become an early reader. Sign-up here or by clicking the button below to receive a FREE advanced reader copy of the e-book (these will be going out this week). In exchange, I just ask that you agree to review the book on either Amazon or Goodreads. My publisher is only sending out limited copies of this, so if you’re interested, sign up ASAP!
Share about Unhurried on social media, word-of-mouth, or snail mail if that’s your thing ;). Here’s a graphic you’re welcome to post at any time.
When is the Launch Party?
April 1 at Quail Springs Baptist Church in OKC! Come and Go from 6:00-8:30 with an Interview Q&A at 7:00. I’d LOVE you to stop by!
As always, if you have a question you want answered next month, I’d love you to send me an email below.
Lastly, here are a few family photos from February. Highlights were Thunder basketball, Charlie’s baby dedication, 100 days of school, and Valentine’s day!
If you haven’t already, I’d love you to join me as I share more about what God’s teaching me each month!
In Christ,
