“We grow into the likeness of Christ when we follow him in the way of the cross.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 22, 2025
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10, ESV
Few things in life form and shape us like suffering. In truth, I often wish this were not so! Why can’t I grow into the man God has made me to be through one success after another? “God, if you want to shower me with endless blessings and abundance, go right ahead!” And yet, it is in my seasons of great trial and suffering that I have been most deeply shaped and molded into the man I am today, and because of this, I am slowly learning to receive these trials as a part of God’s plan and will for my life, difficult as it undoubtedly may be.
The Lord doesn’t delight in seeing his children suffer. Neither does he actively inflict pain upon us. Yet, in the mystery of his mercy, pain has a role to play and is woven into the grand narrative of healing and restoration that He is telling throughout the whole of creation. As Hebrews 2 reminds us, “he left nothing outside his control” (Hebrews 2:8). The truth of this sentence is seen most clearly in the passion of Christ, which was not an accident or unfortunate development, but was the chosen path by which our salvation was “made perfect.”
We grow into the likeness of Christ when we follow him in the way of the cross. The way of suffering cannot be sidestepped or bypassed. The only faithful way forward is to walk through suffering, knowing it is a journey our Lord took himself, and came through victoriously on the other side. Without this perspective, suffering can be unbearable, a darkness with no end in sight. Yet if we cling to the truth that life and victory have the final word, then we can encounter the goodness and life of God even in the darkest valley, for even there he is always with us.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).
Prayer
Father, teach and shape us through our trials, believing that they are the means by which we can know Christ more fully and walk with him on the road that leads to life. Amen.
Application
Take time today to prayerfully read and reflect upon the whole of Hebrews 2.
Related Reading
Psalm 119:71; Matthew 16:24; John 16:33
Worship Resource
All Sons & Daughters: Christ Be All Around Me
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