We are following

“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow.” -St Mary MacKillop

I just got off the phone to a dear friend in ministry who is sorely physically challenged and who had a setback, an obstacle to her carrying out her work in serving her congregation. But she pushes on, seeing each new day as a gift from God, and a new opportunity to serve him. I admire my colleague greatly, and find her fortitude and drive inspiring. Contemplating other people’s challenges and battles, helps us to see our own problems and issues in a clearer light. When problems and obstacles arrive, self-pity and anger can so easily creep in, and these are the precursors to defeat. I have strong, resilient and godly people around me who give me perspective, support, and a most loving example to follow. I am blessed in this way. But there is an example who is there all the time, for all of us, and that person is Jesus. Mary MacKillop put it so well in her uplifting words. Yes, we have struggles in life, assuredly, but we are following a person who is a light shining, and whose example is perfection itself.

Jesus struggled, he had frustrations, he suffered, for our sake, the unimaginable pangs and pains of crucifixion. And he took on these challenges in a way that was uniquely his, as the Son of God, fully committed, fully accepting, and totally for the glory of his Father in heaven. We are human, but for a time when he walked among us, Jesus was human too, and he too lived with the limitations that come with being flesh and blood. He showed us not only how to rejoice in God and enjoy the blessings that we have as God’s children, but he showed us how to deal with pain, loss and suffering. We follow Jesus in joy and we follow him in struggle.

So when troubles strike and we suffer over our plight, we look to Jesus who we have committed ourselves to follow, who also suffered, and in a way that we can barely comprehend. Our burdens will be lighter because of the strength and courage that comes from keeping Jesus in our sights, the clear light of truth and love, the good shepherd who gives up his life for his flock. And as we follow Jesus, we approach these challenges with acceptance, and deal with them with strength and courage, for his name’s sake… always for the glory of God.