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Hebrews 12:2– fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Both of our children had several recurring cases of planter’s warts when they were youngsters. The removal from the soles of their feet was very painful. After they had been through it once, each subsequent time they begged me not to make them go to the doctor.

I’d explain to them that although uncomfortable, the procedure would bring about the desired result. Once healed, their feet would no longer be tender to walk on. After several minutes of encouragement, they’d wipe away their tears and head for the car.

Once in the doctor’s office, a resurgence of the initial fear would often take place. That’s when I’d hold their hand and talk them through the operation. A few days later, they’d be playing outside again. The memory of the surgical procedure was already a thing of the past.

Have you ever put off a medical appointment because you thought the treatment would have been too painful, avoided having a conversation you felt might threaten a friendship or delayed making a decision that was just too difficult?

Jesus could identify with those feelings. He faced a painful death on the cross. However, he looked ahead to the salvation of mankind and endured the anguish. It was the only way to get the desired result.

There are times in life when the pain of the present must be endured in light of the promise of better days, better health, better circumstances to come in the future. The good news is that we will not have to go it alone. Jesus will be beside us all the way—guiding, encouraging, healing.

He was here. He knows what it is like to be human. But he also knows what it is like to be God. He doesn’t just hold our hands. He holds us in his hands.

He gives us the promise of a wonderful future because he was willing to look beyond his present circumstances and ahead to that glorious day when he will welcome his children into his kingdom—where he will sit at the right hand of God, to the glory of The Father!

Brenda