While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could deliver him out of death. And God heard his prayers because of his reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8 (NLT)

My dad had already been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had suffered two massive strokes when his doctor diagnosed him with advanced prostate cancer and lung fibrosis.

I lived nearly a thousand miles from my parents for most of my adulthood. I visited them whenever possible, but it never seemed enough, especially when Dad was so sick. As the end approached, I prayed and pleaded for the privilege of sitting with him when he entered Jesus’s presence.

God said no.

I was teaching at a string of women’s conferences in Eastern Europe when Dad died. I wasn’t able to attend his funeral. I felt like my prayers and pleadings had gone unheard—until I remembered Jesus’s situation.

Jesus prayed and pleaded to avoid the cross, but God said no. He accepted God’s answer even though He knew it meant suffering.

I chose to follow Jesus’s example. I hurt deeply, but He comforted me because He’d walked a similar path.

Have you been praying and crying for God to change your circumstances? How will you respond if He says no? I encourage you to follow Jesus’s example. Accept His answer and your circumstances. You won’t avoid pain, but you’ll certainly avoid regrets.

Faith Step: Write a description of a circumstance you’d like Jesus to change, then add a prayer of surrender.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

Fred Rogers, the beloved creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is one of my heroes. I love his soothing voice, his compassion for children, and his godly wisdom. So when the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood came out, my husband, Kevin, bought two tickets for the first showing on opening day.

My favorite scene takes place in a Chinese restaurant. The main character, Lloyd Vogel, tells Mr. Rogers—played by Tom Hanks—that he knows why Fred loves people like him: “Because we’re so broken.” In a voice rich with kindness, Mr. Rogers replies, “I don’t think you’re broken.” I wanted to stand up and cheer. Right there in the second row.

As we left the theater, I started to make an inner commitment to emulate Mr. Roger’s Christlike behavior. But the Lord interrupted my thoughts. “No,” He said. “I want you to be the unique individual I created you to be, and I want you to follow Jesus. He is the only one worthy of worship.”

I had to smile and agree. If I copy the attitudes and behaviors of any human, no matter how noble he or she is, I’m settling for second best. When I study how Jesus loved, forgave, and helped, I’m choosing to follow the best example of God’s heart.

I can still be compassionate, kind, and empathetic. Like Fred. And most of all, like Jesus.

Faith Step: On a 3 x 5 card, list all the character traits of Jesus that you admire. Now circle the one you’d most like to pattern your life after. Ask God to give you the grace to follow in Jesus’s footsteps.