What’s your initial reaction to adversity? Depression or strength?

Jesus took three disciples to a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.

Suddenly two glorious men appeared, Moses and Elijah, and they began talking with Jesus about his departure from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

The three disciples had fallen asleep, but when they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him.

It all began with affliction: Jesus’ death was foretold. Affliction led them to pray, prayer led them to the presence of God, and the presence of God transformed their faces and appearance. There they received God’s counsel to face the tough trial that was coming.

I wish the story went like this, in the plural. But only Jesus received these benefits: His three disciples fell asleep and only saw the glory of God from afar.

Amidst the tough trial that was to come, they chose sleep, as a way to evade the great sadness they felt.

In your next affliction, you’ll face the same dilemma: Stay asleep in your depression or approach the presence of God to receive his strength and guidance.