“…Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus didn’t want to go through the torture, accusations, suffering, and death He was assigned to endure as a human. He understood His purpose, to give His life, yet He asked The Lord, “If there is any other way, please let this cup of suffering not be put on Me” (from Matthew 26:39). Then, He submitted His will to The Father, knowing and trusting it would be worth it all. He focused on the joy awaiting Him after He would experience the worst pain of any human. “…Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:2).

When we’re facing things we don’t want to go through: the loss of a loved one, a health crisis, the loss of a job, or the end of a cherished relationship, remember your God. Remember what He did at Calvary. Not one person expected Jesus to come to life again. Those closest to Him were thinking of themselves the morning He rose from the dead, as they feared for their lives. Jesus was tortured so severely that even Pilot responded with shock as he exclaimed, “Here He is, the Man!” (MSG) Scholars and theologians teach this phrase as meaning, “What a man!” As Jesus wasn’t expected to endure the torture of the forty lashes, He certainly wasn’t expected to live again after His death on the cross.

Those closest to you may not have confidence in your ability to come through extreme trials well, but The Word of God says, “If the same Spirit of Him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (from Romans 8:11).  Remember, also, 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Because of this, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

If you’re facing a battle, valley, challenge, or trial, it has been vetted by your loving Heavenly Father. You know you can come through successfully because Jesus rose from the dead, and He is alive in you! Let it be said of you, “Because of the joy awaiting them, they endured the trials of life as they trusted in The Lord."