“For You”

“He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39 (NLT)

“What It Feels Like”

My bible studies class is doing the video study, “Easter,” by J.D. Greear this month. J.D. began session 2 sharing something I have really have never given much thought to. He shared how Jesus got a taste of what it feels like to be completely alone. Nothing we can ever share can compare to this moment of how alone Jesus felt, and to be completely separated from God and only hearing the silence. (J.D. Greear)

This brought back a load of feelings for me in a time when I heard silence and felt abandoned. It is such a tremendous whirlwind of panic to feel all alone in your circumstances. But as always, at an unexpected time, He intervened and delivered a victory! This is the kind of relationship that has built my trust in the Lord. 

“You”

Next,  J.D. asked a question that stopped me in my tracks and gave me a “whoa” moment. I believe for me, it is one of the most powerful questions I have ever heard. He said, “What was Jesus going to obtain on this side of the cross, that he didn’t have on the other side, that brought him joy?” He simply answered, YOU! These three letters make up a really small word, but it is a word I will always carry with me. You and I were the joy that assisted Jesus to go through all he did. (J.D. Greear)

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT)

Counting My Blessings,

Susan Browder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtUNQpu2b7Q