Embrace the path that leads to pain.

Published: Sept. 6, 2020, 10 a.m.

It’s easy to get distracted by things that don’t matter. It’s easy to lose focus on the things that do. Thankfully, Jesus helps us take a step back, tune out the noise, and make sure we are on the same frequency as God. This week we see Jesus help us get “dialed in” on suffering. The popular assumption in a world where so much suffering has been eliminated is that all suffering can and eventually will be eliminated. When that proves to be more challenging than people think, God is often blamed, criticized, and even denounced. Thankfully Jesus helps us see that a world without suffering is no longer possible (until it is destroyed). Instead, he helps us see the priceless blessings that a life with suffering can bring.