If the battle against evil in any way depended on us, we would be destined for defeat. That’s why the heart of the Christian message is not about empowerment or encouragement. It’s about substitution. In the battle against our greatest enemies, we are spectators rather than participants. This week we see Jesus go head to head with the pursuit of comfort. The assumption that this should be our life’s goal is almost universal. However, Jesus’ own life - and the life he calls us to - demonstrates a different approach. God’s greatest blessings are not found in what brings our greatest comfort. Rather, they are found in bearing our crosses.