“'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,' he said to them. 'Stay here and keep watch.'” Mark 14:34 (NIV)

We all know what it’s like to wrestle through those deep disappointments in life that linger on and on.

We’ve all had situations in which we’ve prayed countless prayers, pleading with God to intervene and make things different.

But what I am so quick to forget is that even Jesus lifted up tear-filled prayers of desperation for God to make things different.

First, let’s look at the words from Jesus after He left the Last Supper with His disciples: “‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch’” (Mark 14:34).

Jesus was now in the garden of Gethsemane, feeling the crushing weight of what He knew He must endure. He very much knew what He would soon experience during the crucifixion. Jesus knew that heart-crushing feeling. He felt it. He wrestled with it. He carried it.

During the Easter season, I have found such comfort in remembering the humanity of Jesus in this scene. Yes, Jesus was sinless, but He very much knew the overwhelming blows of being sinned against. Jesus understood betrayal, abuse and abandonment by people He should have been able to trust.

Later, in Mark 14:36, He said, “Abba, Father … everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me” (NIV).

I so relate to these words of Jesus as He wrestled with thoughts like the ones I think all the time: God, everything is possible for You. So why aren’t You fixing this for me right now? Why does this have to be the plan? I don’t want this to be the plan. Let there be a different plan. I mean, God, everything’s possible for You.

And isn’t that part of what’s so complicated in our relationship with God? What makes our faith so strong is that we're utterly convinced that God is capable of everything. But what makes our faith feel like it’s falling apart is that we're so hyperaware that God is capable of everything, and we perceive He’s not doing the one thing we’ve begged Him to do.

But here’s the good news we can find on this Good Friday: The cross wasn’t the end of the story for Jesus. Actually, it was only the beginning. And because of the resurrection power Jesus brings, Good Friday is only the beginning for us too.

Suffering may be a part of our story, but it doesn’t have the final say in our story.

Heartbreak may be a part of our story, but it doesn’t have the final say in our story.

Grief may be a part of our story, but it doesn’t have the final say in our story.

Good Friday is our reminder that when everything feels lost, when darkness seems to take over, there is hope on the way. We know a better ending because we know a victorious Savior. Darkness may last for a while, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Easter isn’t just an annual celebration. It’s a personal revelation for right now. It’s where the unknowns of today feel less excruciating because of the certain victory of tomorrow. Oh, friend, take heart. Keep holding on to the hope you have in Jesus. He really does understand the depth of carrying sorrow and hope at the same time.

Keep these Good Friday reminders for an ordinary day when you need to be reminded you are not walking alone in your pain. Jesus hears you. He sees you. He understands you.

Lord, thank You for the truths I’ve been reminded of today. Thank You for raising Jesus from the dead so we would forever have a pathway to relationship with You. Give me the courage and strength to continue pressing in when things get hard. Remind me of these Good Friday truths when I get discouraged. There is always hope for this moment and joy for tomorrow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreaks. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today, you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Purchase now.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Mark 14:36, “… Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (NIV)

Even in the hurt you’re facing today, what would it look like to borrow these words from Jesus and pray for God’s will to be done? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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