One form of pain is rejection.
It says:
not wanted.
not liked.
not valued.
God says something very different.
“But if God loved me he wouldn’t …”
The rain falls on all of us just the same. God loves you enough to help you through the rejection.
After all, Jesus was rejected. He knows.
Whether it is called Easter or Resurrection Sunday, this is the day for Christians to celebrate the day when Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
The tomb was empty.
Why is this significant?
God took the form of a man and dwelt among humanity to save us from the consequences of sin: eternal death and eternal separation from God.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
You don’t clean up before coming to God. He takes you as you are. He died for your sin before you were born.
You don’t have eternal life through doing good things. It is a gift.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The old covenant, the Law, could not save, only reveal to us what sin is.
The new covenant, Grace, saves, and wipes the slate clean.
Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world. His death and resurrection broke the power of sin over our lives.
What does he want?
Our love.
Sacrifice is when we care about others over ourselves.
It may be giving our time, money, or possessions. It’s almost always doing the opposite of what we might choose to do with those things.
It costs us something because it draws from a depth of caring that is very close to our heart. We feel the withdrawal from our soul and it can be painful. Yet, it turns out to be a joy to know our sacrifice made a difference for someone.
Even if they don’t know about it.
What if the recipient of your sacrifice isn’t grateful for their circumstances changing because of you? That is part of your sacrifice.
It hurts when you know what you’ve given and it is not appreciated. And sometimes, it’s even thrown back in your face.
If you’ve wondered about Christianity, that’s really what it’s all about. Jesus gave his heart to the world. He sacrificed himself and endured the cross because of the joy that awaited him.
When you sacrifice it is noticed by God. Don’t focus on the pain. Focus on the joy that comes from sacrifice.
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I used to pray in a way that I thought accomplished something.
Until I discovered that most of the time it didn’t. At least not in this present life.
Now I know that the best prayer to pray is not my will be yours be done.
For some, that is not a very bold prayer. But it’s how Jesus prayed.
I used to think to pray like that was settling.
I now know it’s trusting.
When you trust, you accept unanswered prayers.
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Spring is coming. It always comes. It never misses. Ever.
Jesus said the natural world helps us understand spiritual things – those things pertaining to God.
You may be in the “winter” of life with many concerns that are covered with a blanket of uncertainty. Maybe you feel stuck between where you were and where you are going.
Whatever it is, spring will come. Just when you least expect it, something will change.
Wait for it with hope and anticipation!
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Sometimes, giving out of your pain seems unattainable. That’s because you are looking to do great things.
Did you know that Jesus said the least in the kingdom is the greatest? In other words, we often look for the biggest and brightest and best of everything – when God almost always picks the smallest, and dimmest, and the least of everything.
Jesus was born in a barn. Not a castle.
Your giving can be useless and small in your eyes, but it’s a sacrifice God takes note of.
And you know something? It seems to be the secret to soothing your hurting heart.
I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not
lose his reward.
-The Bible
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
-Jesus
God wants to take the weight of your pain, discouragement, frustration, and sorrow.
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened …
… and I will give you rest.”-
-Jesus
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
-The Bible
when it hurts 