Pondering the love and sacrifice of Christ puts our own suffering in perspective...
When we imagine Christ on the cross, suffering, tortured, crucified ... there's nothing appealing in the images it brings to mind (Matthew 27:32-56).
But the message in that terrible death is the most wonderful message of all time, the salvation of our souls (John 3:16).
"In view of God's mercy," our temporary sacrifices and suffering seem quite insignificant (Romans 12:1).
"Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God's scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.” ― Philip Yancey
Whatever injustice disturbs us, it is not so great as the injustice of a perfect God dying for our sins.
Christ not only suffered for us, He understands our suffering first hand (Hebrews 4:15).
We can trust Him with our unanswered questions about suffering because His death bought a pain-free eternity for us who believe (1 Corinthians 13:12, Revelation 21:4).
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
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Bible Love Notes
Amen :)
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sister! Thank you for causing us to ponder the suffering of Christ today, Gail!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail! I was coming over to say 'hi' and saw your theme for TGIF. My blog post for today really speaks to that, so I added it on to your bloghop.
ReplyDeleteI have had the words "We hold the death of the Lord, deep in our hearts." on my mind recently. And I think it is all the suffering that I experience, and it is part of the Lord's life. So...I guess it is beautiful, but hard too. Good thing we are not alone :)
I am so happy I came by! Bless you, my blog-sister!
Ceil
Oh the suffering was horrible. I am so thankful that His Father planned and allowed it and that Jesus was willing to say, NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting at your beautiful site.
I can give you an amen when it comes to my own suffering, but I still have a hard time with Bethany's suffering. That's where real trust and faith come in. And I won't lie...sometimes it's very hard to accept!
ReplyDeleteYes, Sylvia, it's always harder when our children suffer. I think suffering is one of those things beyond our comprehension while here on earth. You are so right: "That's where real trust and faith come in" and it's often difficult.
DeleteHi Gail!! I just read your post and wanted to share with you. It has really been impressed on my heart in the last week how much God understands what we go through because he was mistreated worse than we will ever be. He so fully understands because he was rejected, or mistreated...whatever we are feeling or the situation we are going through, he understands.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting your linkups each week. I am so glad that you are back with your linkup parties again.
There is no greater love! A mystery we won't understand until we reach glory. Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless.
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