His Sacrifice

“Jesus died on the cross so that the Lord may forgive us of our sins.” That’s the long-and-short of what happened anyways. Of course, there was always more to the story, but it’s a topic that many have trouble talking about.

Jesus knew what was to come, despite this however, He did what He did because He loved us. He loved us so much that He went through pain so excruciating, that description alone will never do it justice. They mocked and tortured Him right up until His death on the cross, but if not for His sacrifice, I honestly don’t know where I would be today, let alone what I would be doing.

While times may have differed from thousands of years ago, living as a Christian today isn’t the easiest thing to do, in fact, it can be quite risky. As Americans, we are more than blessed to be living in a country that allows us to think and speak freely, however, that doesn’t mean others will like or agree with everything we say and do. We will face criticism, backlash, and, unfortunately, may find ourselves ostracized from friend groups and even family. We will also find ourselves taking on obstacles we might have never thought we would ever find ourselves in, obstacles that can test our faith entirely: illness, death, heartbreak, shame, addiction – the list goes on. Despite it all however, remember that you are not the only one that is going through this, and you certainly won’t ever have to go through it alone.

Being the most controversial man that has ever existed, Jesus faced betrayal, humiliation, and heartbreak before and after His sacrifice, all because He simply loved us (let that sink in a bit…). Now, the hard question we need to ask ourselves is how far are we willing to go to show Him the same kind of love? Are we willing to lose relationships we thought would last forever? Can we give up something we know will be almost, if not feel, impossible to live without? Are we willing to put our own lives on the line?

There will come battles you won’t always win, but are you willing to carry the scars from them and push forward? Be honest with yourself and God. Do not feel ashamed to bare your weaknesses before Him. I have admitted to Him on multiple occasions that I was not strong enough to push through certain obstacles. I have cried many, many times because I was simply not brave enough to bring myself into battle, even with the full armor of God on my side. I’m ashamed of myself, but because I know that God has not, and will never give up on me, I will keep going. I will pray every day that He will continue to polish me, make me stronger for myself and for others who are facing similar obstacles. It’s not easy, but also not impossible, and Jesus himself is a living example of this.

16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:16-20)

Let us Pray:
Dear heavenly father, I pray for strength and courage to get through the hardships I am going through, and will continue to go through as I continue to walk beside you. Your word alone can ease all pain and heal all wounds. I may not know or understand why you allow us to go through certain hardships in our lives, but I will continue to trust you and honor your word, no matter how difficult.

I pray that you continue to work through my weaknesses, and forgive me for all the times I have ever doubted you. I also want to pray with thanksgiving for the times you refused to leave my side, even when I have fallen and lost my way. I can not do this alone Lord, because only with you am I strong enough to face and conquer the impossible. And it’s in your name I pray, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.