10/14/2020
When we are facing hardship or correction in our lives do we keep Jesus foremost in our minds? Oh, we praise Him, and glorify Him, when all is peaceful, and right with us, but what about those times when we endure God’s discipline, learn lessons that involve great suffering, or confront the twisted roads of life?
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Hebrews 12:3 ESV
Jesus suffered the cross so that we would be forgiven, and our faith strengthened. Likewise, we are meant to pick up our own cross and carry it forward like a banner waving before His original gift to mankind. The time spent on our own cross serves to strengthen us as we deliver the message of His gospel to our children, and children’s children... that they too might grow strong, and not faint.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28, 30-31 ESV
I love to recall these verses of scripture when enduring the hard times of life because they encourage us, and remind us that what we are facing is not random, or suddenly contrived, but a part of our creator’s plan that was laid out for us from the foundation of creation. These verses promise us that He will give us strength, lift us above our suffering, and return us to Himself. This is his promise, and through Jesus Christ He has fulfilled it.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV
So, is Jesus foremost on your mind? Do you find Him there when you are traveling the easy roads that have been prepared for us? Well, how about when facing the great difficulties that typically weary us, and bring our faith to the point of fainting? Is He foremost on your mind in those moments as well? In those tumultuous times we need Him most, and in such suffering He promises to lift our burdens from us. Are you ready to accept His relief, His strength, and the wings He provides to carry us before the Father?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and for the strength He demonstrates for us in the presence of great hardship and suffering. Thank you for his obedience to your Word, your will, and for the cross He mounted to redeem us. Help us Father to keep Him foremost in our minds as we face your discipline, and endure all the suffering that this world pours out upon us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God, who strengthens us by the discipline you administer, and the love you share by grace with us. Praised be your name for bolstering our faith, and lifting us up on the wings of eagles. Hear our prayers Father as we confess our sins, repent of them, and cry out for your forgiveness. Give us strength to carry our crosses Lord, and if not the strength, then provide us help in carrying it. Keep our minds on your Son as the nails pierce us, and perfect us with His blood so that we will be found acceptable in your eyes on judgement day. Lift us up on that day Father, and seat us comfortably at your table forevermore.
Rich Forbes