The end of Lent for me was filled with many things. At the beginning of Lent it seems like you have a ton of time and then all of a sudden it’s Holy week. As I journeyed through Holy Week, what became clear was that even Jesus was struggling and asked for help.
We hear the same stories over and over, year by year, and I do not always attend the Good Friday service of the Passion of Jesus. This year, as I sat in the pew and listened to the events unfold one more time, my thoughts turned to the humanity of Jesus and how he like many of us, did not want to suffer.
We don’t often choose to suffer. Situations arise as we go along in life, and we are often surprised. (or is that just me?) We can’t look into the future and know how it’s going to turn out. We don’t have that divine sight, but Jesus did. He knew what was going to happen, he asked his Father if there was another way, and when there was not an alternative, he chose to die.
Our situations are different than Jesus’. There are struggles at work, with co-parents, kids in school, paying the bills, health challenges, and grief. So many different situations, but we can choose to be more like Jesus in those moments.
Do you know where your help comes from? The person you “happen” to meet, the job posting you see, or the unexpected money that arrives just when you need it? God is sending the help we need, just not always in the form that we expect. The struggle I am facing today is preparing me for what’s coming next.
Jesus frequently prayed and connected with God. That’s how he had the strength to fulfill his purpose. We have the same opportunity to connect with God to for guidance with our struggles. Each time you pray and connect, you are strengthening your foundation so that when you need it, it’s there.
Today take a moment to ask for guidance in the area of your need. Tomorrow when you wake up, thank God for the opportunities coming your way that day, and the perseverance to keep going, whatever your challenge is.
