While reading about Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus, it struck me that their lives were not as easy as it should have been.  Starting with all the troubles they encountered at the birth of Jesus, to witnessing his death at the cross, life was definitely not a bed of roses for them. Being the earthly parents of the Son of God should have entitled them to a few favors, don’t you think?

Jesus didn’t have it easy either.

Fanny J. Crosby (1820 – 1915), the songwriter, wrote more than 9000 hymns. An awesome achievement by any standards, but then Fanny Crosby was blind throughout her life. 

Why should the road be rough for people who submit to the will of God? 

Not easy to answer that one!  What is more obvious is how they managed to overcome the odds. 

Joseph and Mary were aware of God’s plan in their lives and they submitted to His will in complete faith.

Jesus’ submission to God’s will, lead Him to the cross and crucifixion. He knew that glory would come after this painful humiliation and suffering.

In her well-known song, Blessed Assurance, where Fanny Crosby says, “Visions of rapture now burst on my sight!”, her mind was set on her final goal – being with Jesus.

Children trudging to school carrying their heavy bags is a familiar sight. But then after school is over, and even though they are tired and hungry they carry the same bag and run home happily. Of course, their mind is now set on home and play!

If we set our minds on being with our Lord and Savior Jesus, we will overcome hardship, pain and sorrow, suffering and infirmity. Enough reason to let God work His plan in our lives.

Philip Peter

Written for the Methodist church-Good Tidings, 2003