Before the triumph of the cross, Jesus underwent haematohidrosis, literally sweating blood, as he knelt in prayer before the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was coming, was willing, but prayed that perhaps the cup could be taken away.

 

I cannot imagine any human being anticipating a death that would come in such an agonising way. It is especially haunting as Jesus was perfect – completely sinless. Even Pilate understood that envy was the motive behind those baying for his blood.

 

In "And the angels were silent", Max Lucado writes, “He knows what it is like to be plotted against … He knows what it is like to be torn between two desires … And, perhaps most of all, he knows what it’s like to beg God to change his mind and to hear God say so gently, but firmly, “No”.

 

We would all prefer the amazing mountaintop experiences of life where victory lies certain, but it does not reflect reality. The valleys can sometimes be thrust upon us out of nowhere. News of a car accident, a diagnosis that leaves us reeling, all manner of disasters really.

 

Hope feels useless; prayer seems to go unanswered. The stranglehold of Satan seems unwieldy. Fear has coiled itself all around our hearts. We can scarcely bring ourselves to believe in miracles, or surrender to God. Our focus: on the scariest thoughts racing through our troubled minds.

 

Yet, the God-man himself experienced the valley of darkness, in a way none of us are called upon to do. Knowing all he had to endure, in fulfilment of the very hour he had come to earth for, he held on to purpose. He remained unswerving in his devotion to God and the vision of our redemption.

 

That day at Calvary, all seemed lost. Satan may have thought that he had secured the victory, but God was not done yet. Resurrection Sunday was sure to put Satan’s nose out of joint.

 

Maybe it is time for us to reconsider our insurmountable troubles or obstacles? All may not yet be lost, perhaps it is time to pray about it one more time. God still triumphs. Miracles are still for today.

 

Prayer: Father God, you allowed your Son to suffer so that we may be saved. Thank you for the cross and all the victories it has ensured since. Amen.