Thriving in the Struggle

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Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face. John 19:1-3

Jesus is always in control

Even when events seem to have spiraled downward into darkness, Jesus maintains control. Imagine the scene in heaven as the host of God’s armies sit at the edge watching these events unfold. The Creator being physically assaulted by His creation. The King of power being struck by the subjects of weakness. I can imagine the angels bearing witness to this cosmic injustice. Each slap causing them to flinch in response, straining against the desire to intervene. Just one of these angelic beings could annihilate the entire Roman cohort (2 Kings 19:35.) Each one could uphold the honor due to Jesus, but instead, they were rendered inactive, held in check solely by the will of God. Heaven was quiet, but Jesus is still in control.

You have value

All of these events are playing out according to His plan and for His purpose. Jesus planned for our redemption. He endured all of the shame and the pain that this world had to offer. Jesus was beaten and broken for each of our sins and He passed through death and conquered it once and for all. He did all of this because, in His infinite grace and mercy, He has placed value on you. You are worth it.

When Heaven is quiet

When Heaven is quiet, remember that there is nothing outside the sovereignty of Jesus. He is still the ultimate authority. When you can’t see what the outcome will be, know that there is a plan in place. Submit to God’s will, endure the struggle, and know that this is not the end. Jesus has placed value on you, He has sacrificed for you and He will fight for you. Each struggle produces a victory. We may not always see the victory first hand, but we must trust that Jesus wins in every situation.

If you are in a struggle right now take a deep breath – in and out. That breath proves that God is not done with you yet. His purposes are alive and well. Resolve to make it through the present darkness and see the beautiful sunrise on the other side.

Lord God, I pray right now for all of those who are under the weight of this world and the oppression of sin. I ask that You make Your presence known to them in their darkest times and that they might understand the depth of Your love for them.

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5 Comments

  1. So true! It is always good to be reminded of this.

  2. My goodness. This is a message, full of hope. A message vital for so many to hear. A message, no matter when written or when read – is spot on in its timing and content.
    I’d personally like to take the time to say thank you for sharing these words. I know I’m not alone in needing desperately to read them, and to commit them to my memory, and my heart.

    You see, I have been through a great deal of pain in my life, but most recently (51 days ago, to be exact) my 7 y/o daughter Janet passed away after a three year battle against brain cancer. My heart is shattered. While I know this is normal, it hurts as well. I feel, at times, like I’m learning to breathe again – like I’m learning to walk, to take steps one after the other. Praying along the way to find that peace, to hold onto that hope, to remember the beauty – even in the pain.

    So, it’s for all those reasons and more that I’d like to share heartfelt gratitude for sharing this message of grace, redemption, hope and a love greater than we can comprehend.

    1. Laura, do not lose heart. Hold fast the precious promises of the LORD, knowing that our light & momentary affliction work for us an eternal weight of glory.

  3. Awesome and right on time. I have declared that I will not give up and will wait for God to bless me! My prayers and condolences to Laura in the passing of her daughter. Lord please strengthen, comfort and give her peace.

  4. All is under sovereignty of King Jesus. David, this article is Christ-centered. May the LORD bless you and may His grace & peace be with those who read this.

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