JESUS AND DEALING WITH CHALLENGES
My name is Hannah and I’m a member at the UCM. I’m currently working towards a master’s degree in special education and having fun doing so! When I’m not studying, working, or hanging out at the UCM, I’m usually just chilling at home with my (evil) cat and maybe a friend or two. I love to play all kinds of games, watch movies, and read great books!
JESUS AND DEALING WITH CHALLENGES
“Father”, he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:36
At the beginning of January, I realized that I was feeling really great about the upcoming semester. I was looking at my schedule and seeing the best balance of school, work, and church that I have had in the past five years in San Marcos; I knew that would make a huge difference in my joy and success this spring. Feel free to call it optimism, an “up” day, or a moving of the Holy Spirit in me (it was probably some combination of the three). I printed out my syllabi, planned my meals, watched some Netflix, and settled down to sleep before the first day of the promising, new semester.
And behold: the first week was great! My professors were kind, my class topics were highly interesting, and I managed to get enough sleep every night. Then, “it” happens again. On Sunday morning, sitting on my own in church, I just feel different. Call it pessimism, a “down” day, or a different movement of the Holy Spirit (it may have still been all three). All I know is that I suddenly did not feel ready to tackle another semester of responsibilities and standards I place on myself.
When these feelings arise, I search for comfort in the reality of Jesus’ own despair. While we generally think of a “helper and healer” as a happy person, Jesus still had moments where he found himself alone and in anguish. In the green space of a garden before his arrest, Jesus lets his friends know that he is full of sorrow then begins calling out to His Father. Here is where I find the greatest lesson: Jesus was not afraid to express his true feelings as he fell to the ground. He was vulnerably human to His Father in his despair.
Even in his time of greatest grief, Jesus did not deny God’s will for him. That’s right: he was crying out in the dirt and he still listened for God. In moments where we feel sorrow, grief, or a lack of motivation for life, we look to see that Jesus himself felt these things. He guides us to share our feelings with those who care for us and with God, and continue to live a life in pursuit of God’s will.
Prayer: Hey God! Thank you for the all opportunities you give my in my life. There is wonder even in challenges. Guide me when I am struggling to be honest about my need for help. Raise my voice to you and send your encouragement to me. When I feel alone, help me realize all the good people you place in my life - especially your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
