I look to the Cross

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.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:3-5

What does one do with suffering?  How do you deal with wounds on this side of life?  How can one be like Job and bless the name of the Lord when things you are dealing with loss( Job 1:21)?  How does one stand secure in the midst of the storm? How do you recover and regroup?

What is the answer to these questions?  What is the way of escape?  I can go around it and try to use intellect to give a lofty answer, but the truth, and the only answer is Jesus.  Jesus knew suffering.  Jesus knew rejection.  Jesus knew pain.  Jesus knew what it felt like to be rejected and cast aside.  He knew what it felt like to be crushed and bruised.  He was pierced and punished for no other reason than His love for me.  He bore my sin and my shame.

So I look to the Cross when I am suffering.  I look to Jesus and remember the wounds He bore for me, the suffering He bore for me, and the love He has for me.  I look to Jesus because He is the way through the suffering.  He is how I overcome the suffering.  He is my praise because by His wounds I am healed.  Wounds of sickness and disease, financial hardship, rejection, and struggles with day to day life.  Wounds come in many shapes and sizes , but this pain, this  suffering, can’t compare to the glory that will be revealed in us later (Romans 8:18).  Christ in me, the hope of glory ( Colossians 1:27).

Jesus is the answer. He is the source of strength.  The reason to get out of bed and face the day.  He is my portion.   This Friday is good and every day is good because of Him and the blood He shed on the cross. So whatever He gives to me and whatever He takes from me I will bless His name. 

Father, may I be a witness to your love and grace during my times of suffering and hardship.  I want to be a living testimony of your love and truth.  Use my suffering for your glory.  Jesus thank You for dying for me.  Thank You for giving me access to the Father.  Thank You for ripping the veil so that I can come boldly to the throne of grace and receive comfort and mercy.  Thank You for conquering death so that it has no sting.  Thank You for your sacrifice.  You are Holy and worthy of all my praise.  Keep my eyes on You.  Help me to endure this test and walk away from temptation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen