When The Door Slams
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34:17-22 NIV.
This is how we know what real love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). Throughout His earthly life, Jesus was constantly exposed to personal violence. At the beginning of His ministry, His own townsfolk: They got up, drove him out of town , and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was build, in order to throw him off the cliff (Luke 4:29).
The religious and political leaders often conspired to seize and kill Him. At length He was arrested and brought to trial before Pilate and Herod. Even though He was guiltless of the accusations, He was denounced as an enemy of God and man, and not worthy to live.
The sufferings of Jesus also included the fierce temptations of the devil: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1).
Remember, too, Jesus knew in advance what was coming, and this enhanced His suffering. Jesus knew the contents of the cup He had to drink; He know the path of suffering He should tread. Jesus could distinctly foresee the baptism of blood that awaited Him. Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples of His coming death by crucifixion.
Jesus, came to suffer for our sins. As a result of His suffering, our redemption was secured. Christ living in us will enable us to live above our circumstances, however painful they are. Perhaps you who read these words find yourself almost crushed by the circumstances which you are now facing. You may wonder how much more of this suffering can you stand. Don't give in to the enemy! God's grace is sufficient for you and will enable you to rise above your trials.
Think about this: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or violent death?...But in all these things we have full victory from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Renewal: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark word and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesian 6:12-13).
Ask the Holy 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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