God allows us to go through hard times. Of course, our trials are nowhere near the same as what Jesus went through on the cross, but Jesus has called us to walk through our own suffering in order to find new life in him. In the process, do not miss that it is the hard things in life, not the easy, which teach us the most valuable lessons. God wants to build us into people of deep and real character so we, too, can accomplish the purpose he has uniquely created for us, just as Jesus had a unique and important purpose only he could accomplish.

I sometimes wonder what must have been going on in our Savior's mind as He lived His last few days on earth. He knew what was ahead of Him - the beating, the torture, the crucifixion, the weight of the sin of the world. Even though we know suffering in our own lives, this pain is something we, as humans, cannot begin to comprehend.

But Jesus also knew the end game - He was on his way to resurrection!

Knowing we are on the way to the resurrection gives us hope and courage.

It is comforting to know Jesus, our Savior Himself, knows what is it like to be “all alone,” particularly at a time when He most needed his friends. What a great comfort to know that we are never alone in the greatest time of our need.

Jesus came to redeem all of humanity to Himself. His death on the Cross and His Resurrection Easter morning made redemption possible for everyone. Because we have hope in Jesus, we can look to Him to sustain us when life gets too hard.

At times, the news of tragic events adds to the inner storm we feel in our hearts and minds, and we get overwhelmed. But take heart, there is good news. We have someone who we to run to in times like this. He is Jesus, the Savior of the world. He is the only one who is able to calm us when the violent news overwhelms us.

Jesus calms our hearts like he calmed the storm.

During Lent, I am challenging your heart regarding forgiveness. Are you holding on to any unforgiveness? And if there is, are we willing to do the hard work of dealing with it and working through it? Let the words and life of Jesus both guide you and inspire you to an abundantly full life!

Isaiah said this of Jesus’ coming birth, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). He continues, “And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6).

Take heart this season! God, through his Son, Jesus, has come to our world. He knows our pain. He knows our struggles. Be encouraged!

When Jesus came to earth that first Christmas, He came as the prince of peace. That tiny baby would not be defeated. Herod thought he could stop the will of God by killing all the babies under two years old. But Jesus, the true King, demonstrated His mighty power and brings peace to all. Jesus always wins!