Have you ever read the familiar children’s story We’re Goin’ on a Bear Hunt? It’s the story of a family going, as the title implies, on the search for a bear (there’s certainly metaphorical implications intended by the author).
As the family journeys from their cozy home, they encounter some obstacles along the way. For example, they come to long swishy grass, thick oozy mud, and other barriers in their quest to find that ferocious mammal. Each time they come to one of these hindrances, they say, “Can’t go over it, can’t go under it, oh no, we’ll have to go through it!”
I’ve often thought of this beloved children’s chant as I’ve been walking through various forms of grief and trials (Not unlike any of you! Suffering is universal!). I think it’s such a helpful way to think of what must happen in the challenges of life if we’re going to come out on the other side.
Consider some of the ways we attempt to “go under it” or “go over it” instead of going “through it,” though.
- Distraction. We numb ourselves with mindless scrolling, deadening our brains and filling them with information that will never bring healing. Or we drown ourselves with Netflix binges, creating an imaginary life based on those of fictional characters.
- Addiction. We cling to some sort of rigid routine, pattern, habit, or indulgence hoping that will fill the emptiness that is left in the wake of our pain.
- Blame. We attempt to point a finger at someone else (or even God) for the trap we find ourselves in rather than embracing the potential it has for us.
- Isolation. We withdraw from the ones we love (or, again, even God), hoping to avoid the confrontation that the pain is real.
Try as we may to dodge the process of going “through” it, the only way to come out on the other side is to do what it takes to navigate head-on the challenges along the way.
I love the way the author of Hebrews gives us an important through that is vital in the ability for us as humans to go through suffering rather than trying to avoid its grip.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens– Jesus the Son of God– let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Because He went through His earthly life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension (through the heavens), we have an always-available lifeline to which we can cling: Jesus, our rich-in-mercy, abounding-in-grace Savior who will surely help us in time of need.
Even better, the author of Hebrews reminds us of Jesus’s activity now.
Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
Look at him! Saving completely! Living to intercede for us!
What a Savior. His victory in walking through what was necessary for our salvation becomes our thoroughway to access the throne of grace to walk through the inevitable trials of life. Not over them. Not under them. But through them. Approach with boldness. He’s ready to help in our time of need.
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