Day 7 - Where Is Jesus?
April 13, 2020 • Janise Anderson • John 20:1–18
Where is He? Where is Jesus of Nazareth? Where is our crucified King? We’ve come to mourn Him, to weep and wail. On Friday, we watched Him die. This world bullied Him, beat Him, broke Him. Man drove cruel nails through His hands and feet, Raising Him on a cross of splintered wood. Our Lord could’ve saved Himself— Thousands of angels waited at His command. But He didn’t call them down. Where is our Jesus? Where is our Teacher and Friend— The One we saw die a horrible death? Have you carried Him away from this tomb? Tell me where His body lays—that I may go to Him. He is not here? He is risen? Our King is risen? Jesus Christ lives! Joy and fear overcome me. I tremble at the thought—our Lord vanquished death. He alone is our hope and salvation. Our King is not here. He is risen! • Janise Anderson . • What does the resurrection mean for you personally? . • Why didn’t Jesus save Himself while on the cross? . • How can you share this story of hope with those around you? . He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. Matthew 28:6 (WEB)
Day 1 - Why Did Jesus Weep?
April 1, 2020 • Susan Grant • John 11:1–44
When I was little, I would talk with God, praying, “God, if you’re really up there, please show me a sign!” . I think my prayer is one that, at one point or another, we all pray. We want to know if God is there. But we also want to know, “Is He here? Does He care about my thoughts and situations?” . In John 11, Jesus’s close friends, Mary and Martha, sent a message asking Jesus to come to their house: their brother, Lazarus, was dying. They sought Jesus’s help and comfort during this difficult time, but Jesus delayed coming. . When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus was dead, and the sisters asked Jesus why He didn’t prevent this. They wanted to know: “Do you care about us and what happens to us?” . Jesus went to Lazarus’s tomb and wept. He knew He was the Resurrection and the Life, and that, in a few minutes, He would raise Lazarus from the dead. So why did He weep? . The simple answer is Jesus grieves over sin and the hurt it causes—including death. He grieves over the fact that the people He made often reject Him, the only One who can rescue them from all that is broken. When we are hurt by the sin and brokenness in the world, it’s as if Jesus goes to the “tombs” in our lives and weeps along with us. . Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.” Be encouraged because God has become one of us. God became a human to end sin and the brokenness it causes (John 1:1-14). When our trust is in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, God is here with us even now. He cares deeply about all the details of our lives. And He promises that His people—those who know Him through faith in Christ—will one day dwell with Him forever, free from tears (Revelation 21:1-5). • Susan Grant . • What specific things in your life have you wondered if God really cares about? . • If you knew Jesus weeps over sin and the brokenness it causes, how would this make a difference in your life? . Jesus wept. John 11:35 (CSB)
Letters of Shame
December 29, 2019 • Rebecca Roskamp • Psalm 139:1, John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:9
What am I? I thought as I stared down at my hand, now covered in words written in permanent ink. Cruel words—written all over my hands— stabbing me in the heart like knives. . This can’t be who I am, I thought. Lazy, slow, fat, short, stupid, weak... every word stung with fresh pain when I looked at it. Insult after insult, crawling up my fingers and over my knuckles like ugly insects. . Oh, God, no. This can’t be who I am. Where had the prayer come from? How had God come into this? God didn’t belong here, with this hand, covered in my brokenness. I was on the floor, crushed beneath the weight of the letters on my hand. What am I, God? . This isn’t who you are, Becca. . I blinked at the soft whisper over my heart. . That writing isn’t you. That writing is what they think of you. It isn’t what defines you. I will tell you what you are. In Christ, you are My child—loved and treasured. Replace those words with My words, Becca. All that matters is what I think and say of you. Because I know you. And I love you. . “Okay, God,” I said with sobs. “But it’s so hard. These words won’t just go away.” . By My power, they can. Slowly and painfully, they will leave as you replace them with My words. It won’t be easy. But I will help you. I will remind you. I will love you. . I looked again at the words, feeling their hot sting. . NO MORE. “What God says is all that matters,” I said. I picked up a red marker from the floor. I opened my hand and, right over my palm, wrote the words, YOU SAY. . The red ink, like Christ’s blood, covered some of the letters of shame on my hand. Peace settled over me. And while I knew it wouldn’t be easy, little by little, the poison of the words of shame would give way to the peace of the red letters representing what God thought of me. I would let His words guard me from the sting of lies. God would define me. I am what He says I am. • Rebecca Roskamp . • What are your letters of shame? Reread today’s Bible verses. In Christ, how does God see and define you? . • How can you use God’s definition of you to replace the lies of your letters of shame? . O Lord, You have searched me and known me. Psalm 139:1 (NKJV)
Celebrating Christmas Around the World
December 22, 2019 • Melissa Yeagle • Luke 2:8–20, John 3:16
On the night Jesus was born, there was a lot of celebrating going on! And those celebrations continue on to this day—all around the world. . In the US, our Christmas celebrations center around putting up a Christmas tree and a nativity scene. On the actual day, we have a big meal and exchange presents. . In Norway, they start celebrating on Christmas Eve. Church services start at 5:00 p.m., then people go home for a special dinner. They generally have porridge, and one lucky person gets an almond hidden in their bowl. . In Poland, on Christmas Eve everyone watches the sky, eagerly waiting to spot the first star of the night. Once a star is spotted, dinner begins! This tradition is to remember the magi, who followed the star to find Jesus. They also have a tradition of putting hay on their dinner table underneath their tablecloth. This reminds them that Jesus was born in a manger. . In the Gambia, they have parades at Christmas time. They carry with them something called a *fanal*. It’s something they make out of bamboo with white paper hung over it, usually in the shape of a boat, and decorated with candles or lights. . In Russia, they celebrate Christmas on January 7. They go to church and then come home to a meal with twelve dishes—one dish to honor each of the first twelve disciples. . In reality, it doesn’t matter how we celebrate Christmas but rather who we celebrate. Christmas is the time we set aside to celebrate Jesus. He became human to save us from sin and death. That’s something worth celebrating all year. • Melissa Yeagle . • What is your favorite Christmas tradition? . • Why is it so important that Jesus—who is God—became a human (John 1:1-17; Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 2:14-15, 17)? . For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (WEB)
When Unexpected Emotions Appear
December 20, 2019 • Abigail Rose • Psalm 42:5–11, John 11:35
Have you ever been in a really emotional place—one where you’ve never been before? I have. Those situations are hard to navigate: they’re overwhelming and scary. Sometimes you even start to believe the lie that you need to isolate yourself until you “fix” the problem or “get over” your feelings. But real freedom is found in asking friends and family to come alongside you and listen to your struggle. . You may worry that the situation will seem “small” or “stupid” because you “shouldn’t be feeling like this and just need to get over it.” Or you might think, because your emotions are so big and overwhelming for you, that you don’t want to “burden” anyone else with them. These worries can make you feel lonely and even worthless. . But let me encourage you in your struggle, whatever the size of the problem. Any emotion you have, whether someone says it’s “correct” or not, is real. Because—whether you are misunderstanding a situation or the situation truly is that difficult—your emotions are telling you it’s time to take a step back and figure out what’s going on in your mind. . Believe it or not, no matter what situation you are going through, God understands. He wants you to come to Him with every single emotion you have (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7). He created you with emotions, and you live in a world broken by sin and death. Jesus Himself knows the same emotions we feel because He came to live among us. Even in the Old Testament—all throughout the book of Psalms—David (who was called a man after God’s own heart) poured out his heart to God, no matter what he was feeling. . So, take some deep breaths, call out to God and those around you, and know you are NOT alone! • Abigail Rose . • Was there a time in your life that you felt alone with your emotions? How did you handle it? . • Who can you go to with those struggles? . • How did David express his emotions? What can you use from his example to let out your own emotions? . Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 (CSB)
Look Up
December 17, 2019 • Cara Campbell • Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 14:22–23, John 1:12, Hebrews 12:2
As I was out running one day, I realized how often I look down. I found myself watching my shoes, somewhat to keep my footing but mostly because I didn’t want to make eye contact with anyone who might see me. . Sometimes we bury ourselves in distractions to avoid the uncomfortable, the insecurities. Or we focus on our circumstances, looking for some thing or some one to fix what’s wrong in our lives. The answer to all of it? Jesus. . So, LOOK UP: . From your feet... in Christ, you are a child of the King, delighted in, chosen, free. Stand tall because you are His. . From your distractions... the device in your hand, the social media scrolling, the texting... look up at the beautiful people He has surrounded you with. Look them in the eyes, show them Christ’s love, and be in regular community with other believers. Look to Jesus to fill your desires, bring peace to your anxious heart, and give you strength for each day. . From your circumstances... like Peter walking on the water to Jesus, when we focus on the wind and waves—the impossible, the struggles—we lose sight of Him. We begin to sink in fear. But, when we take our eyes off of Him, He reaches out His hand to catch us. Even when we fail, He loves us enough to reach for us, not abandon us. . Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him. He is faithful. He is able. And He is worthy. • Cara Campbell . • What causes you to look down? Fear? Insecurities? . • Why is it important to fix our eyes on Jesus in every situation? . • How does belonging to Jesus allow us to love others—free from fear of what they’ll think of us (1 John 4:18-19)? . Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (CSB)
A Stone's Throw
December 12, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • John 8:1–11
I don’t even know why we need to have this conversation. Although I didn’t say that thought out loud, my eyebrows slanted halfway toward my nose and my arms wrapped tightly around my chest declared exactly what I was thinking. . Why in the world we had to have a discussion about what music we listened to in youth group, my sophomore self couldn’t figure out. I had shunned anything under a secular label and only listened to TobyMac if I felt edgy that day. Hadn’t I already checked off the box for listening to God-honoring music? So, why did I have to endure this talk? . A girl with curly hair hugged her knees. “To be honest, I really struggle with this. A lot of the music I listen to swears left and right, and I have just become numb to it. I’m not even thinking about what the words mean.” . Another boy in a hoodie seconded a reply. “If I really think about it, the way some singers talk about women in the music I listen to...” He shook his head, ears a slight scarlet. “Let’s just say, my mom’s not in my room when my Spotify’s up.” . Three others spoke about their struggles with music that glorified everything from drug overdoses to all manner of things that happen behind closed doors. . Oh. . I unraveled my arms and let my shoulders relax. Why was I being judgmental about this when I struggled with my own kind of music? Sure, it may not have come from a Spotify playlist, but I, on a regular basis, listened to plenty of tunes called Jealousy, Pride, Anger Problems, and the occasional Gossip. And to be honest, I didn’t want my mom in my room when I played that playlist. . Why did I want to throw stones, when we all played the same music of sin? • Hope Bolinger . • What are some ways you find yourself throwing stones at others? . • What are some types of “music” you struggle with? . But when they continued asking him [Jesus], he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” John 8:7 (WEB)
Grace Cat (Part 3)
December 8, 2019 • Emily Tenter • John 3:36, Romans 8:12–17, 1 John 3:1
Oliver, the cat I adopted years ago, is asleep on the couch beside me right now. He’s gained a little weight over the years, and now he’s quite fat and happy. He’s had a wonderful life since he decided to trust us and take the gift of grace my family extended to him that week we left food out on the porch. And now he’s reaping the benefits! . But about a month after Oliver joined our family, another cat was spotted wandering around our house. He was a beige cat with orange spots, and he was very skinny. We’d see him jumping in and out of our garbage can, searching for food. I named him Popeye, and he looked like he was in pretty bad shape. . In my cat-adopting enthusiasm (I may have a small problem), I left a bowl of food out for our new guest! Popeye was afraid—I could see it in his eyes. He never let anyone from my family get within ten feet of him before darting into the woods. . Every once in a while, he would venture up to the porch for a few bites of food. But I only saw him a few times before, one day, he took off and never came back. . The same grace that was extended to Oliver, the fluffy, chubby gray cat sleeping beside me, was extended to the fearful cat who spent a few cold weeks living in our garbage can. If Popeye had only accepted our free gift like Oliver did, his life would look a lot different. . This was another huge lesson about grace that I learned from cats. If we reject the free gift God is offering to us—the gift of adoption and eternal life in Christ— we only hurt ourselves. But when we embrace the gift—when we open our hands to the grace God wants to shower on us—our lives will never be the same because, in Christ, we are now beloved members of God’s kingdom and family. • Emily Tenter . • What questions do you have about God’s gift of grace and adoption? Who could you talk to about these questions? (If you want to dig deeper into what it means to know Jesus, be sure to check out our "Know Jesus" page.) . • What are some of the reasons someone might reject the gift of eternal life? . • What are specific ways you can show others the love and grace of Jesus? . For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” Romans 8:15 (CSB)
He Can Relate
December 4, 2019 • Sarah Elizabeth Child • John 1:1–4, John 1:9–14, 2 Corinthians 1:3–5, Hebrews 4:14–16
Have you been rejected by your family? Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe in Him (John 7:5). . Have you been rejected by your friends? One of Jesus’ best friends denied that he knew Him three times (John 18:13-27). . Do you feel alone in your hometown? Jesus was driven out of His (Luke 4:14-30). . Have you been kind to someone who showed no gratitude in return? Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, and only one came back to thank Him (Luke 17:11-19). . Have you been criticized for doing the right thing? Jesus was constantly chastised by the Pharisees for healing on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14) and for hanging out with “sinners” (Luke 5:27-31). . Have you been bullied? Jesus was mocked by His own people (Matthew 27:41-42), brutally tortured by the Romans (John 19:1-6), and taunted and tempted by the devil himself (Matthew 4:1-11). . Have you lost someone close to you? Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:1-44). . Just because Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world does not mean He cannot relate to you. He is also a human. He faced a full range of human emotions and experiences in His lifetime—even experiencing the deepest of suffering by dying on the cross for our sins—which gave Him a profound understanding of human rejection, sadness, suffering, and pain. That means He can fully empathize with you in whatever you are facing right now. He is with you and will never leave you (Hebrews 13:8). . What’s more, He is also fully God. That means He can comfort you in a way no one else can. Turn to Him for comfort today. • Sarah Elizabeth Child . • Which one of Jesus’ experiences can you relate to the most? . • Does it comfort you to know that Jesus has experienced hurts just like ours? . • When you see others struggling, how can you comfort them with the comfort Jesus has given you? . Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 (WEB)
The Bread of Life
November 27, 2019 • Cheryl Elton • Deuteronomy 8:1–3, Matthew 4:1–4, John 6:47–48
When your stomach growls, nothing satisfies like good food. But what about spiritual hunger? Jesus said if we go to Him, we would not go hungry, for He is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). . It’s easy to feel spiritually full after a great church retreat, an awesome Christian concert, or an exciting time of helping others. But often, when we feel spiritually empty, our default is to go shopping, go to the gym, or eat some chocolate. While these things all have merit on their own, none can replace our daily need for Jesus, the true Bread of Life. . In the Old Testament, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years on their way to the Promised Land. During that time, God was teaching them to humble themselves, to trust Him, and to hear His voice. Each day He rained down manna (bread) from heaven to feed them. If they tried to save bread for the next day, it would go bad. This was so they could learn to rely on God’s provision one day at a time. . This true story of the Israelites points to Jesus, who was tempted in the wilderness for forty days. During this time, He too trusted God, quoting from Deuteronomy: “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). . Just as the Israelites and the Son of God trusted God for daily sustenance, we trust God to provide our spiritual nourishment, like the manna, every day. It’s important that we daily feast on Jesus by studying and dwelling on the truths found in His Word, the Bible—both individually and with other believers at church. . Whenever we find ourselves spiritually malnourished, we need only call upon Jesus. He is the Bread we need, and in His presence, we will never go hungry. • Cheryl Elton . • When you feel spiritually depleted, what do you usually do? . • How is Jesus the bread we need (John 6:4-15, 25-40)? Why is it important to make Jesus—and all He has done—central to our lives? . • What are ways you can feast on Jesus by digging into God’s Word regularly? . “Truly I [Jesus] tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:47-48 (CSB)
Anyone Out There?
November 25, 2019 • Kevin Zeller • John 1:1–14, Colossians 1:15–20
Even if aliens existed, it wouldn’t matter. . God, the Creator of the entire universe, took on the flesh and nature of a homo sapiens male. He retains this flesh and nature still today, even as He rules all things. . God is one of us. Where does this leave any potential intelligent alien species? Certainly not at the center of attention. Jesus is the focus, along with His people whom He will live with forever (Revelation 21:1-5). He will reign from the earth, the home of our species. That is the message of the gospel, and aliens have no significant part in it. . This way of thinking is foreign to modern people. We know space is vast beyond our comprehension and Earth is a tiny speck swimming in the universe. We are used to thinking of Earth as insignificant. . But cosmic scale does not determine significance. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things, the King of everything. His people on Earth are the center of His focus, His joy, and His love. • Kevin Zeller . • Have you ever thought about the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life? . • How does Jesus’ incarnation (becoming human) affect the way we think about our species? . • How does Christ’s love for us change the way we think about our place in the universe? . So the Word [Jesus] became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 (NLT)
The True Director
November 22, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • John 10:1–16, John 10:27–30, Psalm 86:11
As a shy stage manager for our high school’s production of "Tarzan," I did as I was told. And our assistant director told us to tape the side doors that opened into the aisles so the actors could sneak into the walkways during one scene. Apparently, the monkey costumes made clicking open a door just about impossible. . When I asked the assistant director how to tape the door, she shoved a roll of black electric tape into my hands and said, “Just do it so the actors can open the door without having to click the door handle.” . So, a fellow stage manager and I started taping down the door handle to the knob to make sure it stayed down. Sure, the door opened on its own like it was supposed to, but when the director found us mid-tape, his face harshened to a dark pink. . “What on earth are you doing?” His yell carried in the echoing backstage walls. . “T-taping down the door.” My tongue tripped on a quiver. . “Who told you to do that?” . By now, tears had started to brim. “The assistant director.” . He grabbed the tape out of my hands and jerked his hand to the door. “You’re not supposed to put this tape on metal. The door handle and knob may be stuck together permanently. I was planning to show you the right way to do this tomorrow.” He sighed. “From now on, listen to me, the director, before you make any major decisions.” . Later, it hit me. I often listen to “assistant directors” more than the Director of my life: Jesus. Just like the director in the play knew the right timing and placement of that tape, Jesus knows everything. Even if an assistant director tells me that a lie is the truth, I need to consult and trust the true Director and His Word, the Bible. • Hope Bolinger . • What are some assistant directors in your life that you tend to listen to instead of the Director? How does what they say they line up with what God says in His Word, the Bible? . • The director in today’s reading shared some important truth—but not in a loving way. How is God’s response different when we ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5)? . Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)
Serving the God of Life (Part 1)
November 16, 2019 • Taylor Eising • Isaiah 42:5, Mark 10:13–16, John 1:1–5
Editor’s Note: Today’s reading addresses abortion. . Our God loves life. Every creature on this planet is alive because of His incredible love. And He calls that life “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The natural consequence of God’s presence in the world is abundant life, but the natural consequence of sin’s presence in the world is death. One example of death in our world is abortion. . The Bible talks about life inside the womb several times. In Genesis 25:21-26, we hear about Jacob and Esau fighting before they are even born. In Luke 1:41, John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb when he meets the pre-born Jesus. God also makes it clear He knows and loves us before we are even born (Psalm 139:13-14; Jeremiah 1:5). . Although God loves life, sometimes people feel they have no choice but to abort their baby. Abortion is a heartbreaking decision to make. It comes from feeling alone, helpless, and hopeless. Satan loves to isolate us, insisting that there is no solution to the problems before us, so the only way out is death. . But that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. God, who is in absolute control over life and death, is with us in every circumstance. If He has created a life, however that life was created, He will provide a way to care for it. We are never, ever alone. God is with us, He loves us, and He is lavishing His incredible grace on us. . God loves life so much that He sent Jesus to defeat sin and death. He did that so all life, including ours, could be reconciled to Him in love and peace (Colossians 1:20). One day, He will come back to resurrect all His people from the dead, killing death once and for all (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In the meantime, celebrate the God of Life. • Taylor Eising . • How can you show God’s love to people who have had or who are considering an abortion? . • How can living as a loving community of believers focused on Jesus make it easier for people with unexpected pregnancies to care for their babies? . He [God] created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. Isaiah 42:5 (NLT)
Powerful Prayer
November 14, 2019 • Cara Campbell • Exodus 32:7–14, Matthew 6:5–13, John 5:14
We’ve all heard stories of miraculous things happening when people pray. We know from God’s Word that prayer “is powerfully effective” (James 5:16). But perhaps your experience with prayer feels silent. Or maybe God has answered your prayers differently than you expected. So how do we pray in a way that really is “powerfully effective”? . In today’s reading, Moses approached God to plead for his people to be spared after they had sinned against God by building an idol to worship instead of worshiping the one true God. But here’s the interesting part: Moses’ prayer was not just asking for mercy for the people. His prayer was not even for himself, for his reputation as a leader, or for the sake of comfort. . His powerful plea and prayer was for God’s honor and glory to be known. Moses prayed, focusing on God’s faithfulness to the people. He prayed, remembering God’s promises to them. And he prayed his people would be spared from God’s just wrath so that the nations could look on and see God’s powerful hand and marvel at all He had done in and through His people. . What would happen if our prayers were focused on God’s glory rather than our own comfort? What if we prayed with this expectation: “God, I cannot wait to see what You’re going to do here, even if it’s not the answer I want. Show Your strength through me”? . Praying this way takes our eyes off of ourselves and brings them to the One who works mightily on our behalf, even when the outcome isn’t what we hope for. He works in all things and His glory shines, even in our darkest days (Romans 8:28). . So, we can remember what He’s done for us in the past, His faithfulness walking beside us now, and the wonderful hope of His coming kingdom in the future. We can pray expectantly about what He’ll do to show His faithfulness— and His glory—to all who see. • Cara Campbell . • What things are you praying about right now? . • How could you pray for these requests differently by focusing on God’s glory and promises? . This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14 (WEB)
God, Why Is There Suffering?
November 10, 2019 • Aurora Scriver • John 16:33, Psalm 44:23–26, Revelation 21:1–5
It’s a great question and worth thinking about. Let’s start with what we know about God and our world. . God is good and is working all things for His good purposes (Psalm 34:8; Romans 8:28). His timing is different from ours, but it is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9). We are humans who are sinful, and God is God and free from sin. He can see things we can’t, so sometimes what He does can be confusing (Isaiah 55:8-9). . Illness, suffering, and death aren’t things God made. Our world was created good but was broken and twisted by sin and its effects (Genesis 1:31; Romans 8:18-23). Sin is doing anything in rebellion against God, who is the definition of good and the source of life. When sin entered the world, it brought illness, suffering, and death. . Because He loves us, suffering makes God sad too—so much that He came to die on the cross and come back to life so He could beat sin, suffering, and death. When Jesus’ friend Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus wept, even though He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the grave (John 11:1-44). Because He is human and came and lived with us, Jesus knows our hurts, and so we can bring our pain to Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). . One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, free from sin, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:1-5). Those who trust Him as their Savior from sin will live forever with Him on the new heavens and earth. Even now, Jesus is with us through it all (Matthew 28:20). . Because of all these truths, we can hold on to the promises of God in Christ, even as we experience pain. Talk to Jesus about your hurts. He cares, He understands, He is working, He is with you, and He has not forgotten you (Hebrews 13:5-8; 1 Peter 5:7). And He will one day end all suffering and brokenness at just the right time. • Aurora Scriver . • It’s okay if you still have questions! Who is a trusted Christian friend in your life you can talk with about this? • If you want to know more about Jesus and what it means to know Him as your Savior, find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. . I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NLT)