Not long ago, I had an accident, during which, my vehicle was totaled. The most bothersome part of this experience wasn’t the damage to my vehicle; rather, it was troubling because I couldn’t control the outcome. No matter how hard I pressed the brakes, no matter how hard I gripped the steering wheel, I couldn’t avoid the collision. Life also has a way of introducing some collisions we cannot avoid – adversity, disappointment, discouragement, and even uncertainty. While we’d rather take an alternate route, sometimes, we have to endure difficult situations.
Even Jesus faced a situation that he wanted to avoid. This experience was so gruesome that He prayed for a detour, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me” (Matthew 26:39, NLT). Personally, I don’t blame Him, for the cross wasn’t an enjoyable experience. Although a direct flight was the easiest way back to heaven, He willingly accepted the long road through the cross. He submitted to His Father’s will, knowing, as an old song suggests, “The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God.”
Maybe God has you in a tough place. I know it’s easier to escape, but stay there. Jesus went through the toughest experience known to mankind, and now He has the most prestigious name. When we submit to His will, even though it’s tough, we’re assured that we’ll also reign with Him.