Facing Your Pain Pt. 3

Sometimes God calls us to hard things. Often in our pain we feel alone, misunderstood, and as if no one cares about us. These are lies. Jesus understands your pain, He cares about you, and He desires a deep and rich relationship with you. This year, leading up to Easter I’ve been meditating on the emotions Jesus felt in the days leading up to the cross. Remember that Jesus was a human being (fully God and fully man) so He experienced emotions just like you and me.

Shortly before His arrest, Jesus was in agony. He prayed to the Father, that if it were possible, He could avoid crucifixion. The Bible tells us that Jesus:

• was “greatly distressed and troubled” (Mark 14:33). Literally, Jesus was terrified at the thought of being crucified.
• said “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38; Mark 14:34). Jesus knew what was before Him and was committed to it, yet He still experienced this gigantic sense of emotional pain and anxiety.
• “being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44). Jesus experienced something called hematohidrosis. The stress caused blood vessels in His skin to burst, leading to the sweating of blood.

Even through all of this Jesus, submits the the Father “your will be done”. (Matthew 26:42).

What is my point here? First, that Jesus died for you! Jesus persevered through the agony of crucifixion so that you may have eternal life (John 3:16). In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus endured the pain and shame of the cross because He knew it would bring Him joy (Hebrews 12:2). This is how much Jesus desires to know and love you!

In Christ you have a Savior that understands. What is He calling you to? People that are hard to love? Forgiving those who have not apologized? Enduring where you just want to walk away? Know that He loves you and He understands!

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ!