Overwhelmed by the decision

The last few weeks I have really be struggling. I have been struggling with the feeling of being overwhelmed. As I think about Lent and the completion of it this week I think I realize why. I am overwhelmed by the power that Jesus had to say yes to dying for us.
Jesus came to this Earth, took human form, tried to teach us the way to God and then died on a cross, not a real pleasant death I might add, for our sins. He knew it was the only way, the only thing that he could do to give us a path to his Father and Heaven. Have you ever thought of the strength that must have taken? I mean he could have said no, he could have refused to die on the cross. He could have commanded the angels to lift him into Heaven as he is tempted to in the desert but instead he makes the ultimate sacrifice, to die for our sins, to suffer for us.
I once read an email about a father that would have his son pound a nail into their wooden fence every time he did something wrong, and when he asked for forgiveness for all these sins, they removed the nails. The father was illustrating to the boy that even though he had been forgiven that damage had still been done. The story goes on to say that Jesus is the one that pays for our damage. Yes we have to deal with the hurt and pain here but Jesus deals with the eternal pain of our wrong doing. He takes all that on so that we may go to Heaven to be with God.
Could you do that? If someone came to you and told you that if you died by being crucified that your children would get to go to Heaven? Not that they wouldn't experience pain, or suffer or make wrong choices, because they are still human. But that you will feel all of their pain, suffering and wrong doing and they will get to go to Heaven. I would like to be able to say yes I would make that sacrifice, but man it would come with some serious doubts. I mean Jesus, whom lived on this Earth, was perfect, and knew from the beginning exactly what was going to happen and accepted that as his fate, even he had doubts. He was/is a divine being and had doubts! No wonder we have problems with this! I mean seriously, how crazy do you have to be to make that kind of choice, that kind of sacrifice! But still even in his doubt, Jesus knew exactly what he had to do. He had to die, on the cross, so that we could have salvation. What an amazing gift! One that we can not repay. The only thing we can do is strive to be better, to be obedient to his word, to follow his teachings and be thankful that Jesus did this for us!
We are blessed to have such an amazing God! Happy Holy Week all. Let us be thankful for the wonderful sacrifice and gift we have been given this week! I look forward to hearing from you all soon.
Until next time,
~Michelle