Holy Week Hesitation

Here at Study With Friends Ministries, we are putting together a Holy Week reading plan that I genuinely think will be a blessing to our followers on social media (follow so you can get the plan: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).  I am excited for the ways that God may use this little mini Bible study to reach new hearts and refresh those hearts that have been His for a long time.

As we were putting this plan together, I realized that there was a hesitation between Thursday and Friday.  Starting on Palm Sunday with Jesus’ triumphal entry, we researched and put together photos and scriptures that show each day of Holy Week: where Jesus was and what He was doing.  I really felt closer to Jesus walking each day of that last week with Him.  Knowing we were approaching the cross together and knowing He had walked that journey for me, I saw His activities that week in a new light.

However, finalizing Thursday wrapped up a day’s work and I found myself really reluctant to get back into the scenes and scriptures of Good Friday the next morning.  I am normally a little sluggish in the mornings, but this was different.  I finally realized that my hesitation was fear of intimacy in the events of that Friday.  In the same way that I had felt close to my Savior through the study of His last week, I knew that I would feel a special closeness as He began the terrible process of arrest, trial and crucifixion.  I hesitated to go there with Him.

Hesitation is part of my spiritual journey.  I often hesitate to go into difficult or painful places.  Even as I am totally assured that God’s love and plan for me is perfect, I still hesitate.  But our merciful Father is teaching me that walking forward in darkness without hesitation, while it feels a little scary, dangerous or helpless, is where He will bless me the most.  In those few times that I have actually pulled it off, the intimacy I find in complete trust is overwhelming.

I ask you to join me as I walk in measured steps, without hesitation, toward the cross these next days.  And I will pray that you can keep the pace you have set, as I ask you to pray that for me.  Each of us will choose our own pace, and that’s ok.  It’s not important how fast you are moving, what is important is that you resist hesitation.  It will get scary sometimes, darker and more out of your control.  But that’s when you know He is closer than He has ever been, guiding you and protecting you and strengthening you for what is ahead.

Just as He did with His Son in Gethsemane.  It was dark, scary, and Jesus submitted His will to the Fathers’.  What an incredible example of walking forward into the perfect plan regardless of the immediate cost.

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” -Mark 14:35-36

Lord, help me to have that faith, not just today but every day.  Increase Your Holy Spirit in me to walk without falter, without hesitation, toward the cross, where perfection, mercy and grace wash over me, bringing me back into the light.

Holly Lazzaro is part of a weekly radio program and podcast called “Study With Friends,” a unique format of 4-5 different women each week, gathering around the Bible to study God’s Word.  With organic conversation and authentic personalities, it’s a fresh offering on the Christian airwaves.  For more information check out our bible studies.