“And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” (Matthew 20:17-19 ESV)

A time of uncertainty or difficulty can also be a time of preparation. I push back from the discomfort. It’s hard to see the promise with pressure building, fears mounting, or hurt unending. And yet, it is in moments of profound change that preparation becomes most meaningful.

No one knew this better than Jesus. When approaching His ultimate sacrifice for humanity, He sought to prime His disciples for the event. It was an opportunity for them to grasp the significance and the hope in His words. But for them, it must have been daunting.

The disciples were just getting used to the idea that the Son of God was also their friend. (John 15:12-15) Hearing the news of His impending torture and death, I imagine them saying, “No. Not Jesus.” And yet, in this painstaking reality, Jesus said yes to what led to our salvation.

If you know the story, you know Jesus wasn’t just preparing the disciples for His death. He was also preparing them for His resurrection. But what about the followers of Christ today? Is there something we need to release, so we can see more about Jesus?  Amid their hesitation and confusion, His first disciples ultimately grasped this truth.

The release of what holds us back from trusting God frees us to believe. Then we see. With God, all things are possible.

Consider the possibilities He has for you right now. Through Christ’s death, we have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. (Romans 6:23) Through His resurrection, we have victory over every hindrance to His plan for our lives. (Romans 8:35-37) Hence, the Lenten season is preparation for the resurrection celebration.

We all know it’s coming. And yet, we still face disappointment in our lives. We still struggle in tough times and wrestle with unanswered questions. Thankfully, Jesus is still preparing anyone who believes in Him.

He prepares us for getting through life’s pain.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).

He prepares us for walking in His purpose.

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25 ESV).

He has prepared a place for us to be with Him forever.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2-3 ESV).

I don’t want to miss the significance and the hope in His words. As we go through life, each moment carries the potential for our next encounter with God.

Yes, profound change can have a meaningful purpose. It may take time for us to see it. But it doesn’t have to take our faith. As we trust God, we can trust how He chooses to reveal His glory.