Mat 16:21: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 

“I don’t know if I can make it. The struggles are too hard and the despair is overwhelming.” 

I have heard these words from many people who do not know where to turn and are searching for answers. I want you to know that there is someone out there who understands the weight you are feeling. Jesus. The same Jesus who wept as he saw Mary, Martha and the crowd weeping over Lazarus death. Even though Jesus knew that he was going to raise him from the dead, He weeps for us. Jesus has felt all of your pain and even more. 

Heb 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” 

He knows what you are feeling right now and can help you through those dark times. He has been my source for strength when I feel afraid and discouraged. I keep thinking of what He told the disciples just weeks before his death. Two words that flood my thoughts with questions but at the same time give me strength not to give up. The two words are “Must Go”. 

Jesus didn’t have to go to Jerusalem. He could have stayed away and went fishing. He could have gone to any number of other cities and his disciples would have been right behind him. But, he knew that it was the only way he could save us. He understood that he was born to die. He kept going towards Jerusalem even though his friends and the world were screaming at him to stop. 

Phil 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. Listen, don’t give up and stop trying. He can give you the strength to get back up. Get back into a good, Bible-, Gospel-preaching Church. Open your Bible and read about how a Savior came and who must needs go to Jerusalem to suffer many things for your sake on the cross of Calvary. Thank God for the example that he set for us Christians. 

Thank God he did not give up! Don’t give up because the end of that verse above says he will rise the third day. I remember a great old song that says because He lives I can face tomorrow, because I know he holds the future and life is worth the living because he lives. This Easter season, you can have life because Jesus conquered death. God bless and Happy Resurrection Day to you and your family. 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Heb 12:1-3)

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Matthew Spoonhour is pastor of First Baptist Church, Monroe.