February 1, 2012

I woke up thinking about how our king suffered for us.  Christ was marked for suffering and in His last hours, the wounds on His hands and feet determined our fate.  An innocent lamb, sacrificed so that we could have eternal life. Like you, I face personal battles, giants, times of joy and times of darkness.  With every stage of life and in every emotion, I learn more and more about myself, Christ, and His people.  I was taught very young to fight hard and to never give up.  But I have to admit, sometimes it would be easier to just let go.

I wonder if that's how Jesus felt days before His crucifixion.  Was He sad?  Did He hope for a different outcome?  What was it like to go from King to criminal?  He was innocent and yet, His last words were for us.  It's by His sacrifice we are forgiven!  Do you think about that?  How often do we look at the challenges in our lives and forget what Christ did for us?

We are called to remember that day, vividly. Why?  Because Jesus did a great and mighty thing for us.  Our circumstances, no matter how bad, will never equal the humiliation, devastation, and torture, He went through for us.  We are sinful; He was perfect.  I am calling all my sister's in Christ to really meditate on that today. To look into the life of Jesus and thank Him for the sacrifice He made for us.  We don't deserve that kind of love and yet, He gave it, freely.  Christ was marked for us and in His suffering; we must sing Holy, Holy is the Lord!

2 Corinthians 1-7 NKJV:

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.  Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.  Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

In suffering their is comfort.  I doubt many of us think that, unless we are lucky enough to have women around us that encourage and comfort us in our time of need.  I can honestly say; I have found comfort after suffering, through Jesus.  Sometimes, He's the only thing that could fill my empty heart.

Rise up and take your place!  Let Christ command you.  Repent and give Him the glory.  He's waiting to hear from His people.  Be joyful today and know comfort is near.

My prayer today:

Thank you for waking me up to the scars on Your hands and feet.  My problems are nothing compared to the days You walked in suffering.  Give us all a heart for You today and thank you for reminding us how much we are loved.  Today is a new day. Help us to go out there and live it for Your glory.  Please forgive us for our sins and hold us close as we dedicate our lives to You and give us strength and courage to help us as we walk through life's challenges.  We proclaim: GLORY TO THE LAMB ON HIGH, WHO WAS AND IS TO COME!  AMEN

Until tomorrow...