Wringing my hands, I tried to calm my fluttering stomach while my mother and I waited in the hard cushioned chairs. Sounds of squeaking shoes and a crying child echoed from the hall into our small room.

Opening the door, the neurologist greeted us and washed his hands. He asked a few questions and examined my mom. Then his next sentence took our breath away. “You have Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

Trying to catch our breath, Mom and I ducked into a private room. We hugged as tears streamed down our faces. Thoughts swirled in my mind, and worry seized my heart. ALS is terminal. Why God? Why my mom? How can this be Your will? 

Have you ever received world-shattering news?

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus gave thanks.

“And when the hour had come, He (Jesus) sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. And he said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Then He took the cup, and gave thanks…and he took bread, and gave thanks.” Luke 22:14-17a, 19a

Jesus recognized Judas was about to betray him, but Jesus requested a Passover meal with him and his disciples. Jesus knew his suffering was imminent, yet He expressed gratitude to God. Twice! How could Jesus thank God?

By focusing on His heavenly Father and the promise of the future reward, Jesus chose joy and endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). He knew suffering is temporary, but God’s promises are eternal.

When trials come, may we follow Jesus’s example and focus on our heavenly Father.

...My mom passed away one year later. Even though the pain still hurts and I miss her, I’m thankful for the promise of eternal life with our heavenly Father.