I have a choice to make today. I can see the sorrow and the heartache of circumstances and allow them to control me, or I can allow the chaos…the madness of circumstances to teach me a lesson in humility and grace and draw me nearer to the cross!
Think about it….Christ was mocked, spit upon, scourged with a multi-thonged whip with bits of bone and metal until his body was horribly disfigured. All the while He selflessly bore the world’s sins – our sins and heartaches on Himself. He allowed his accusers to hang Him on a cross and drive 9” nails into his body. Our innocent God in the flesh – He shed his precious blood for our salvation. What we deserved, He has endured! He knew what it was going to take to redeem us. He paid the price no matter the cost! Remember the words He prayed to His Father in the garden of Gethsemane before he was led to his death? “Not my will Father, but Your Will be done”.
Think about it…it was through DEATH that He conquered DEATH itself!
Look around. Truly…how horrible is your circumstance? Please understand I am not trying to diminish your pain. I am sure it is real and it may run deep. But for a moment won’t you try to take your eyes off your own circumstances and look at the sufferings of those less fortunate? Perhaps you have a friend who has lost a loved one and their heart is breaking, or you know someone who just got diagnosed with a cancerous tumor (for the 3rd time), or someone who just died because of foolish choices. We don’t like to think about those things do we…at least not for very long. And you know why? We are by nature, SELFISH human beings. We focus on US rather than on others. So polar opposite of Christ’s vision and mission here on earth.
Our Saviors entire life, His entire purpose on this planet was to demonstrate an UNSELFISH self. He set the example of humility when He washed his disciples feet; even those of Judas who He knew was about to betray Him, and Peter who would soon deny him three times! He fed the hungry, He healed the sick. He brought people out of death and cared for the brokenhearted. He restored the prostitute and gave her hope and purpose. With humility and grace He did all of these things to be the prime example that we are to emulate! We have no excuses…HE walked the talk! By HIS precious blood of love we are healed…we are His redeemed!
And when He left this planet, HE gave us HIS most precious gift…a part of HIMSELF…His Holy Spirit. His amazing power resides within those that have received Him. And all that he asks is this, “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love” John 15:11-12 and in Matthew 7:12 – “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
So as you start today…and the ‘madness’ begins….stop and consider these things: Allow the pain and the heartache to draw you closer to the cross! Allow Papa God to work through whatever circumstance you are facing. Call upon His GIFT – ask Him to quicken HIS Holy Spirit within you! Open up His WORD and bathe yourself with HIS sweet promises. BELIEVE that “…in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Get up…get going! Be Christ with skin on! Let others see HIM being lived out in you! Demonstrate by your actions what you say you believe! Let Him know…that you now understand that HE didn’t die in vain!
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2
“Papa God, we pray that today you will instill a burning DESIRE in our lives. A desire so strong that it will break the gates of hell! Place in our hearts your purpose! Quicken your Holy Spirit in us and tear lose anything that is hindering our walk with you! Allow us to see that our pain will be used for Your glory. Give us courage, strength and boldness to live out a life that honors you! Walk with us and let your voice resound in our hearts and in our minds! Don’t relent Father…continue working through our chaos…for we know, that at the end of every storm, there is a silver lining! In Jesus name we pray – Amen!”
Be blessed today! IN HIS STRONG LOVE ~ rose
Rod & Rose 