Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

— John 18:4

Not long ago I received a call that a dear friend might have only hours—or a few days, at best—to live. I rearranged my day and left for the hospital. I should have asked for the room number ahead of time, but as I stood near the nurses’ station, someone asked me whom I was looking for. She kindly directed me to the room—and after I walked in, I soon realized I was saying good-bye.

Jesus knew what would soon happen as he saw soldiers and officials coming for him. This was the plan ahead of him, and he faced it head-on. He even unnerved his pursuers by stepping forward and identifying himself. There was no fight from Jesus—just resolution that he was okay with accepting God’s plan for him and for the world.

When God calls us and asks us to step into the plan he has designed for us, do we step away or step in? When everything feels safe, it’s not hard to step in. When the storyline involves suffering or pain, however, it’s easier to back up and hesitate. I admit that I have argued with God on occasion, telling him I didn’t have time for his plan. I preferred a different way. That didn’t change the plan, though, and when I took the posture of trusting over fighting, I appreciated the choice God took for me so that I could trust him then. Can you?

Dear Jesus, as the soldiers approached, looking for you, you stepped forward and faced them. Will you help us today to have the courage to accept the plan that you have designed for us? Amen.