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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL or DEVOTIONAL piece (04/26/07)
If God never gifted me with anything more than eternity in Heaven with Him, would that be enough? Jesus gave Himself over to physical torture and humiliation to save my spirit from eternal separation from my Father and Creator. The most powerful being in existence came to earth, walked with humanity in all its ugliness, and then became a sacrificial lamb.

The Bible describes the physical pain of His crucifixion in great detail. He was beaten and whipped. Then His hands and feet were pierced with nails to pin Him to the cross. He was poured out like water. His bones were out of joint, and His heart was turned to wax. His physical strength was gone, and His mouth was as dry as the dust of death. His clothing was stripped from His body and gambled for at His feet. He was mocked. He was scorned. He was despised.

Worst of all, He was then forsaken by His Heavenly Father. I can’t completely comprehend what this means, but I believe that, for Jesus Christ, being separated from His Heavenly Father for a minute or a second or one millionth of a second, had to be the most excruciating, agonizing kind of pain that ever existed.

I wonder…can the sum of all the things God might choose not to give to me ever, ever equal the thing that He did give to me? What if all He ever did for me was to give His life on a cross at Calvary?

Would it be enough?
Would I still love Him just the same?
Would I still praise His Holy name?

What if He never gave me a spouse?
What if He never gave me a child?
What if I got really, really sick? Or someone I love did?
What if I lost my husband or child?
Or someone else I wouldn’t want to live without?
What if I were homeless with no comfy place to lay my head?
What if I had no “extras,” no more than just what I needed?
No car? No fancy food? No vacation? No air-conditioning?
No big screen TV, not even a little one?

Would I love Him anyway?
Would I trust Him anyway?
Would I serve Him anyway?
Would I thank Him everyday?
Can I just rejoice IN Him today no matter my circumstances?

Or

Would I stomp my foot at God?
Would I cry in self-pity?
Would I wail in frustration?
Would I scream in anger?
As in “Not Fair, Not Fair!”
Will I let circumstances drive me back into the pit from which He has rescued me?

How badly do I complain about life’s little irritations?

Waiting at every red light when I am late?
Waiting at a doctor’s office?
Having to clean up a big mess that I did not make?
Something new that I’ve always wanted just broke!
Something I love and have had forever just broke!
Lost my car keys! Again! And I’m late! Again!
Failed the emissions test! Again!
I have to park all the way over there? But I’m late!
Ever stepped in gum on a really hot day?
Apparently my computer has a mind of its own today!

Again I have to wonder…What if all He ever did for me was to give His life on a cross at Calvary?

WWJD? What would Jesus do? What would He say?
He said this:

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21, NIV)

I am created in the image of God.
He gave me tears to cry when I am sad.
I am passionate and compassionate.
I am loved and I love. I am forgiven. I will forgive.
God has rescued me from the pit.
And I will let neither my emotions nor my circumstances drive me back into the pit he has rescued me from!!!
My peace is beyond understanding.
My joy is beyond describing.
I am overcome with love and thanksgiving for my Father in Heaven, my Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit who stands with me against the Giants in my life.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
05/04/07
I like the bit about not letting anything drive you back into the pit you came from.

I've never seen the movie mentioned in the title, so I'd have liked to see more of a tie-in there; after reading your entry, I still know nothing about the movie (but it must be really good!) Or perhaps a different title for your piece?

I like your mix of styles, and the passion of your writing.
Donna Powers
05/07/07
I can sense your strong feelings here, and I like the honesty and depth in your writing. I don't know the movie either, but I enjoyed reading this.
Justus Ondieki
08/18/07
That was very inspiring!
Keep the same spirit,
Justus
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