When The Door Slam
As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (with means "the place of the skull"). Matthew 27:32-33
The road Christ walked that day was good for us. It was not "good" for Christ, who suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual agony few can imagine. But at the end of that road was the fulfillment of His mission, a new and resurrected life, and the immeasurable joys of glory.
It was not the road Christ wanted to follow. In Gethsemane we are told that "He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me"(Matthew 26:39). He would have preferred to fulfill His mission and live a new and glorious life without taking the road to Golgotha. So would you and me. It just can not be done.
The trials and suffering of Good Friday were the only way to pay the penalty for the sins of the world, gain salvation for mankind, and fulfill the divine plan to redeem the world.
The challenges we face along the road to a deeper and richer life in Christ are just as necessary to break our sinful will, to teach us the lessons of godly living, and drive us to ever greater intimacy with and dependence on God. But how?
Christ shows the way: submission-"Yet not as I will, but as You will"-and trust-"Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" (Luke 23:46). If we refuse to submit and trust, if we reject the way of the cross, we will never see new life, and our journey to spiritual greatness ends.
Think about this: It's different for everyman. Some face the painful challenge of confessing sin and making amends to those we have harmed. Some have to leave behind a career, friends, or family. Ambition, pride, selfishness, or lust must die in others. It may cost cherished relationships, pleasures we enjoy, or the future we want. It will cost...everything. And we know it.
Petition: You are the door; whoever enters through You will be saved and will come in and go out find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:9-10). May I be strong and courageous, being careful to obey Your word; may I not turn from it to the right or to the left, that I may act wisely wherever I go (Joshua 1:7).
Prayer: Dear LORD, I know that You have a purpose for my life, and I will seek that purpose today and every day that I live. Let my actions be pleasing to You. and let me share Your Good News with a world that so desperately needs Your healing hand and the salvation of Your Son.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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