Withdrawing Together: Meeting with God in Seasons of Shared Pain

Some of the most meaningful conversations, most passionate times of prayer, and most heartfelt times of worship come in the wake of the most deeply painful seasons.

I’ve seen this in my own life and the lives of so many others.

Coming off the Easter holiday, the image of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is fresh in my mind. The gospel writers record that Jesus was deeply distressed, sorrowful, and troubled.

In anguish, He said, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death.”

In agony, His sweat became like drops of blood.

Perhaps your community is there right now.

Simmering underneath the hum of a weekend of celebration – temporarily unnoticed behind the pastels, glazed hams, sunrise worship, and hearty proclamations that “He is risen!” – your community’s shared pain lingers.

With those festive traditions now in the rear view, the volume on that pain just got louder.

Take heart. Know that this doesn’t mean you “did Easter” wrong.

Pain is inevitable in this world of sin and death. That is, until Christ returns and makes all things new.

The real question is: as we await that glorious day, how can weary Christians find comfort and strength?

Pain is not one-size-fits-all but one helpful tool is to follow the example of Jesus.

How did the Word made flesh act in his hour of anguish, agony, and sorrow?

In the gospel accounts, we see that He withdrew and fell facedown to the ground in prayer.

He got away.

He acknowledged His pain in community.

He prayed fervently.

He declared his trust in the Father.

He was strengthened by angels.

And then?

He left the garden. 

I love this line from Got Questions (https://www.gotquestions.org/garden-of-Gethsemane.html): “the most important impact of this night was the willingness of our Savior to die on the cross in our place in order to pay the penalty for our sins.”

Jesus walked out of that time of retreat and prayer with profound focus, strength, and love (for the Father and for those He came to save).

We can’t miss that.

The pain didn’t go away. Jesus was given passion and strength to move through it.

At Lake Geneva Ministries, we are a place set apart for life-changing experiences in Christ.

Our prayer is that every individual and every group that comes on our property has a deeply meaningful encounter with God. A life-changing experience can look like a high-energy, winter youth camp. It can also look like a quiet, unhurried prayer retreat for a community in grief, transition, or anguish.

If that’s where you’re at, we’re here for you.

Our team would be honored to walk alongside you as you navigate shared pain.

Through an intentional time of prayer, community, and meeting with God, you can deepen love, hope, and strength within your community. If you’re interested, take the first step by filling out our Guest Group Inquiry Form (https://www.lgyc.org/retreats/guest-group-inquiry).

In the meantime, I personally would like to learn more about the pain you guys are experiencing and how our team can be praying for you. To set up a coffee conversation, email me at [email protected] or give me a call at 262-248-5500.