One of the most prevailing approaches to modern life, if not the predominant one, is the desire to avoid suffering. So much of our lives are focused on trying to avoid physical and emotional difficulties that are ultimately inevitable. Evidence of this can be found in everything from the hundreds of types of pain relievers to the bogus advertisements for miraculous weight loss benefits without exercise.

Of course, this is understandable. Right? None of us seeks out opportunities to suffer. And none of us is immune from the temptation to avoid it. However, our inability to understand the inevitability and necessity of suffering has its costs. For our distaste of hardship and suffering makes it difficult to benefit from the fruit that it yields, especially when we emerge on the other side.

In speaking of Jesus, the writer of Hebrew states that, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:8, 9). Did you catch that? Jesus was made perfect in his sufferings! So, if God is going to complete his good work in us, who are we to think that our life will contradict that of the cross?

In considering the cross and the sufferings of Jesus, we are taught some very powerful lessons: That life is gained through death. That glory comes through humility. That success comes through faithfulness. Yep, all of this is contrary to what the world teaches us, which is why it’s so difficult for us to understand and accept.

This Easter, as we remember the cross, may Jesus’ example serve to remind us that there is a purpose in our suffering and that God understands our pain and struggles. In this life, we may never get the answers to our many questions. Like the disciples on the morning after the crucifixion, we don’t yet see the whole picture. But because of the resurrection we do have hope, and we can trust a God who understands.