During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, andthat he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.

John 13:

Every time I turn around, it seems I’m facing some new obstacle or looming uncertainty. Resistance smacks me in the face whenever I try to take on something worthwhile.

Worse than the obstacle or the resistance, however, is the way it sometimes leaves me shaking my head while walking away dumbfounded and discouraged.

After being let go from my job of 13 years, I decided to start my own business and pursue the work about which I’m most passionate. There have been a lot of really good days since then, but every now and then, there are those days that creep up on me and spoil the positive things that are happening. When a potential client turns down my proposal, it stirs up the hurt feelings of not feeling good enough from  the old job. Then comes the downward spiral of wondering if  I’m going to be able to put food on the table for my family next week.

The truth is, no matter how great things may be going, there will always be obstacles, uncertainty, and even tribulation.  Some will be easy to overcome, and others will feel insurmountable and devastating.

I imagine these are some of  the same kinds of challenges Jesus faced during the Last Supper. His public ministry was moving right along. He had a dedicated following, and had successfully trained his team  to go out and do the work of the Lord. Then it happened. He was about to be betrayed and put to death. And he knew it!  While dining face-to-face with his betrayer, what was his response? He knew the end of the story. He knew that he’d come out victorious in the end. It’s with that confidence that in the face of certain death, he got up from the table, and  proceeded to serve by washing the disciples’ feet.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What challenges and difficulties are you facing in your life right now? Looking past those challenges, what are the truths in the greater story beyond the current  situation? What will your response be to those challenges?

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your example of what it means to look past the trials and tribulations that we’ll inevitably face. Help me to see past the challenges in my life today, and help me to keep the end result that you’ve already planned for me in mind. Give me the strength and wisdom to continue the mission and serve you and others well today, no matter what I’m faced with. In Jesus’ name. Amen.