suffering

Feb

2024

Future Glory with the Father

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24

Everlasting Joy in His Presence

What an incredible promise we have in this verse! Jesus prays to the Father that those who believe in Him will one day be with Him in glory.

Not only will we be in His presence, but we will behold His glory – the very glory that the Father has given Him. Just imagine what it will be like to see our Savior face-to-face and witness His majesty and splendor.

The joy will be beyond anything we can experience on this earth. His glory will be staggering, breathtaking, and astounding. And even more astonishing is that He wants us there with Him!

He longs for us to be united with Him in paradise. What an honor to be desired by the King of kings! Let this truth fill you with hope and excitement for the future.

Our pain, tears, and struggles will vanish, replaced by everlasting joy in His wonderful presence.

A Love Before Time

This verse also reveals the eternal nature of Christ’s love for us. He speaks of the Father loving Him “before the creation of the world.” And because of this love, the Father gave Him glory which He now desires to share with us. Isn’t that remarkable?

Before time even began, before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs, Christ’s love for us already existed. This magnificent, unconditional love transcends space, time, and circumstance. It will never fade or falter.

Meditate on the depth and constancy of His love. Let it overwhelm you and transform you. No matter what happens in this life, nothing can separate you from it. You are adored with an everlasting love!

Certainty of Eternity with Him

As Jesus prays these words on the eve of His crucifixion, He speaks with complete certainty about the future glory that awaits all believers. He doesn’t say “if” or “maybe” we will be with Him in paradise.

No, He says definitively that we WILL be there by His side, beholding His glory! We can be absolutely sure of this. It’s a promise etched in stone. One day we will enjoy intimate fellowship with Him in a place of indescribable beauty and joy.

With this hope secure, press on; your trials are temporary but your reward is eternal. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.

The splendor of heaven infinitely outweighs the suffering of earth. Just imagine – soon we will be home with our Savior!

Our Certain Hope

As you go through your day, remember that you have an incredible hope ahead.

Jesus guarantees that if you have put your faith in Him, you will one day be united with Him in eternal paradise.

Let this promise give you strength and perspective when trials come your way. The pain is only temporary, but the glory is eternal.

Stay focused on Him, your loving Redeemer who desires your presence with Him. You are deeply loved, now and forevermore!

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“One Minute with God”

Jan

2024

Agonizing Prayer

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7

Though Jesus was God’s own Son, He poured out gut-wrenching prayers during His earthly agony. His tearful cries reveal the depth of His suffering and longing for God’s comfort and deliverance.

Reverent submission, not entitled demand, marked Jesus’ appeals to the Father. He asked earnestly while surrendering to God’s higher purposes. Jesus modeled bringing raw human emotion before God in humility.

When faced with anguish, we often withdraw into private misery or lash out in anger. But Jesus’ example invites us to reverently voice our deepest pain to the One who hears and holds us in compassion.

The Spirit of Gethsemane

The night before His death, Jesus anguished in Gethsemane as He anticipated bearing mankind’s sin. Luke says Jesus “being in anguish, prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44

Though dreading the cross, Jesus prayed in submission to the Father and His redemptive plan. He received strength to walk the agonizing road ahead.

When we face grief, opposition, uncertainty, and pain, Gethsemane reminds us we can boldly cast our cares upon God while submitting trustingly. He understands and cares.

Prayers of Deliverance

The letter of Hebrews says Jesus offered up “prayers and petitions” asking to be saved from untimely death. God did miraculously deliver Christ from harm in other situations.

But this time, Jesus accepted that the only path was through death, not deliverance from it. On the cross, He uttered the anguished cry: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” He endured hell to save us.

Jesus understands when we plead for God’s deliverance from suffering. Keep praying boldly in reverent submission. God’s perfect will be done.

God Hears

Though Jesus agonized and died, Hebrews says God heard His prayers “because of his reverent submission.” Christ’s obedience led to resurrection!

When we reverently cry out to God in our troubles and confusion, we can have confidence our loving Father hears. He will answer according to His perfect wisdom and purposes.

God may not remove our cup of sorrow, but His presence sustains us to drink it. Through prayer, anguish is transformed into hope. Christ understands and intercedes still. We are heard.

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“One Minute with God”

Jul

2023

Rejected

Have you encountered seasons of pain, sorrow, and rejection?

In Isaiah 53:3, we find a profound description of the suffering servant, who is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. The verse says,

“He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem”

These words remind us of the depth of Jesus’ sacrificial love and His willingness to enter into our human experience, including the most painful aspects of it.

As we contemplate Isaiah 53:3, we are invited to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ suffering and rejection.

In a world that often values success, popularity, and self-preservation, Jesus chose to identify with the brokenness of humanity.

He willingly embraced rejection and endured immense suffering for the sake of our redemption. This reveals the extent of His love for us and His commitment to reconcile us to God.

The suffering and rejection Jesus experienced serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our own struggles. He understands our pain and walks with us through the darkest valleys of life.

His example challenges us to respond to suffering and rejection with grace and compassion.

Just as Jesus extended love and forgiveness to those who rejected Him, we are called to imitate His character by loving others, even when it is difficult.

In moments when you feel despised or rejected, find comfort in knowing that Jesus intimately understands your pain.

He is the compassionate Savior who suffered for your sake and offers healing and restoration. Draw near to Him, seeking solace and strength, and may His example inspire you to love others with the same selflessness and grace that He has shown you.