Ebenezer Scrooge knew that listening to the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come was exactly what he needed to do. But he dreaded what this spirit would tell him. Isn’t that how we all are when faced with a trial? It may be for our good, yet we dread it. I remember fearing facing the delivery of our fifth son. My previous pregnancy ended with a difficult and tragic birth, so I knew what was ahead could be hard. In God’s grace, all went well and we had another precious little boy.


When Jesus was predicting what was going to happen to Him, Peter did not want to hear of it. The situation looked awful. Although prophesies about Jesus’ sufferings were clear, the disciples longed for another way. The way of suffering and shame was too hard to comprehend. Even though the cross was an indescribably difficult situation, it was God’s best for the salvation of all who believe in Him. As you, or someone you know, are walking through a difficult time, remember to trust the Lord who is able to use it for your best.