WEDNESDAY 23 March, 2015
God’s Will in Suffering
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. - Luke 22:42-44
If there was any another other way for mankind to be saved, Jesus would not have had to suffer and die on the cross. But there was no other way. Only His blood––God’s blood could take away our sins fully and completely. In His darkest hour, His disciples had fallen asleep. Jesus wanted them to watch, to stay awake and pray. He knew their faith would be greatly tested as His enemies were at hand (Luke 22:40, 45).
While they slept Jesus prayed alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was an intimate moment of prayer between Jesus and the Father. Imagine His intense struggle to submit to the Father’s will. It meant horrible pain and suffering––the cross. Divinely He was strengthened by an angel. Still in agony, He prayed so intensely that His sweat became blood! He knew the wounds left by scouring would disfigure His flesh; the crown of thorns would stab painfully into His head and that nails would pierce His hands and feet. What was God’s will in allowing His Son to suffer?
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed - (Isaiah 53:5).
None of us like to suffer. In fact, we often get angry at God when he allows pain or sorrow. If we identify with Christ on the cross, we would see suffering differently. God can use times of suffering in our lives to minister to others. In our trials they will see God’s strength and joy in us.
God understands our suffering because he has experienced it.
~Francis Bridger~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!