Day 19... Never Forsaken

Day 19... Never Forsaken

Bible verse:

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthank?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  Matthew 27:46

The lesson today hit pretty close to home for those of you who have the book and have read it.  For those of you who do not have the book, this is what it says.  Moore tells a story about a couple who attend their church, and have for years.  However, the husband suffered from a brain tumor and suffered from seizures a few years back, but after treatment they went away.  Unfortunately the seizures returned and for seven and half years he was treated and underwent surgeries, but would not survive in the end this time.  Even though the husband was the one experiencing the actual physical symptoms, his wife was right there beside him.  Encouraging him, taking him to appointments, everything, and they were both glad for it.

As we conclude out look at Christian practices done with someone close to us, we conclude with how through suffering we can meet intimately with Christ.  Everyone suffers in one way or another, either physically, emotionally, or relationally.  No amount of money, strength, fame, or prestige can stop it from happening.  We can neither bargain or buy our way out of suffering.

Jesus suffered most of all, and the bible verse for today is only one example.  Jesus suffered at the hand of the devil who tempted him, he suffered with his disciples from their disbelief  and betrayal, and these are just a few of the examples.  I believe what God hopes is that through our suffering we turn to Him for comfort, guidance and a heart for understanding that He knows the plans he has in store for us.

I'm learning how important it is to have someone here on earth to travel this journey with.  I am looking forward to the journey that Dan and I will travel as husband and wife, companions, lovers, friends.  I wouldn't change one minute from when we started, to now and into the future.  Sure there will be difficult times, things that may happen that I am not prepared for, but with God's love, Jesus' teachings, and Dan, we will make it through.  I look forward to the day that God puts a friend in my path that will also be there when the chips are down, or when we need a laugh to lighten the mood, or will just sit with me and say nothing.  I'm sure He has done this a few times, but I have not had my eyes open to see, thankfully He hasn't given up on me.  I did experience a little of these things with a few, but unfortunately I was distracted and did not keep up my end of the relationship.  I'm learning, and pray that I will be given another chance.

Faithful service to God and blessings from His hand do not exempt us from suffering (Moore, 2007).  Jesus suffered more than any of the rest of us ever will, so when we are going through those valleys remember we aren't the first, we won't be the last, but maybe we will be the ones who turn around to give a hand to those that follow.  Be it many, many people or just one makes no difference so long as we do it together.

Remember:  Live will bring suffering; you can face it with Christ on one side and your friend on the other.

God Bless!