The Reason for Jesus
Charles Martin
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
Jesus, as I feel my emotions, I’m going to choose not to rush through this pain. Because You lived on earth as a human, I know You understand how sadness can make Your heart feel like it’s literally breaking. When Your friend Lazarus died, You were overcome with grief (John 11:35). As You prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, sweat like blood streamed down Your face in anguish (Luke 22:44). When You bore the weight of the cross, You cried out as Your Father turned away (Matthew 27:46). I’m grateful that as I pray now, I know You understand what I’m going through. Help me make sense of what I’m feeling and what You want me to know about You in these circumstances. Allow me to fully experience what Your Word describes in Psalm 30:5b: “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (ESV). Oh, Lord, in due time, send overwhelming joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12, NIV).
“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’” (Joshua 5:13, NIV).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35, ESV).
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV).
God, I am desperately trying to keep everything together. I’m afraid if I don’t, I’ll be consumed by my pain, anger, and frustration. I just can’t catch a break. It feels like everything’s going wrong and everyone needs something from me, and I am overwhelmed and exhausted. Help me remember these truths in the midst of the chaos: Whatever I face today, You are with me. Wherever I fall short, You will meet me. However I feel today, You can handle it. I don’t have to keep it all together in the presence of my Savior. So I turn to You in the midst of my pain and sorrow. I am trusting You to take the weight of this burden and instead give me rest. I hand it all over to You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy’” (Mark 1:11, NLT).
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
Jesus, as I feel my emotions, I’m going to choose not to rush through this pain. Because You lived on earth as a human, I know You understand how sadness can make Your heart feel like it’s...
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12, NIV).