When Easter draws near, I don’t necessarily think of the cross first. For some reason, I think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I think of his prayer and how he asked his Father to let the cup of suffering pass from him if it was God’s will.

 

No one enjoys suffering or pain. It’s never pleasant when something challenging lies ahead – that mountain pressing down on your shoulders. And Jesus was also human; he was definitely afraid of what was coming.

 

Life isn’t easy for anyone, and we all face different challenges and worries. We’re also afraid of different things – maybe your faith is being tested, maybe it’s your marriage, perhaps you’re going through a restructuring process at work or facing a health struggle.

 

I know we all want to ask God to remove the suffering or the difficult circumstances. Yes, one could have long debates about suffering in the world. But that’s not the purpose of this piece.

 

What I can say with certainty is that God was with Jesus when he had to walk that difficult road to Golgotha. Jesus was not alone. Of course, God also had a much greater plan for Jesus’ life; unfortunately, the suffering was part of that. In the same way, you, as a child of God, are never alone, no matter how difficult the path you must walk. Remember that God always has a bigger plan.

 

Prayer: Lord, life is not easy. Hold my hand through the suffering, carry me when I feel like giving up. Amen.