(I wrote this quite some time ago and stumbled upon it today. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the truths of the Gospel when life doesn't make sense. Maybe I am not alone in this need for truth when lies echo off the dark walls of the valley.)
For many years, when I thought about the sufferings of
Jesus, my thinking would rest on the obedience of Jesus when He suffered and
died on the cross. I did not consider
that Jesus endured incredible suffering leading up to the death He died on the
cross for the redemption of our sins.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. Because He was a man with flesh and blood, he
had to share in our humanity so that “by His death he might destroy him who
holds the power of death – that is, the devil.” (Heb.2:14)
Jesus was made perfect through His suffering. We are to share in His suffering in order that we may also share in His
glory.
There is no other way to learn obedience than through
suffering. Jesus went first, making a
way for us to spend eternity with him through His own obedience to His Father. We learn in Hebrew 5:7-8,
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions
with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was
heard because of his reverent submission.
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and,
once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey
him.”
Because we know that we will suffer for Christ, it is clear
that prayer to our Father is the source of strength that will keep us through
our suffering. If Jesus offered up
prayers with loud cries and tears, so should we. God will hear our cries and
answer our prayers; we are not hidden
from His sight.
We have been given full access to the throne of God. Jesus understands our weaknesses, “for we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted
in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need.” (Heb.4:15&16)
So, instead of being shocked when we suffer, we get to come
to our Father with confidence. We are
encouraged to not throw away our confidence and to persevere, “You need to
persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he
has promised.” (Heb.10:36)
We are being made pure, holy, righteous and blameless as we
go to God in our weaknesses in our times of suffering – there is no other way
to become like Jesus. Though painful, it
is for our good. Instead of running from
what God is calling us into and taking the easy road, we are told that if we
shrink back, He will not be pleased with us.
Our weaknesses will turn to strength as we receive a kingdom
that cannot be shaken. Instead of
complaining when we suffer, let’s follow the example Jesus set as we follow His
steps, “Let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and
awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb.12:28&29)
Today’s Prayer:
“Father, it is so easy to read Your Word and see that suffering is part
of what I am called to; but in the middle of suffering, I am weak. Just as Your Son learned obedience through
His suffering, I know You desire the same for me. Please strengthen me and help me to
not shrink back when the road becomes narrow and bumpy. As I lay down pride, please cloak
me with the cloak of humility. I come to You in my weaknesses and cry out
to You. I am so thankful that Jesus’
suffering and obedience has given me full access to Your throne of grace and
mercy. Holy Spirit, I give You
permission to do whatever is necessary in my Inner World so that I can become
pure and holy and blameless in my Father’s sight. Thank You for not forsaking me in my
weaknesses. In Jesus name I pray, amen.”
Stay the Course...
Sheila
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