As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

     Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to an end. He knew the anguish He was about to suffer. He sets out resolutely. Sometimes we need that determination, the discipline to put one foot in front of the other. There is fear or grief, worry and despair. Somehow, we do it. One small step at a time. We move ahead.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.  Isaiah 50:7

     Jesus cries out to God in the garden of Gethsemane in anguish, His sweat turns to blood. The only time in eternity He is separated from the Father will come upon the cross, when the world darkens until the work is finished. The suffering of our Lord reminds us. He has been through it all and more.

     We have loved ones in heaven. We know the end of the story. Can we press on? Here are some amazing Words to hang onto today:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 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. Hebrews 12:1-2

     Jesus saw the joy beyond the cross. We can see the joy beyond the pain if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, rising above our circumstances with a love beyond words.

Dear Father in heaven,

Remind us of the joy set before us as we struggle and strain through some of our days. Bless us and our families as we turn to Your Son Jesus.

Amen