Better Than We Deserve - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 21

Better Than We Deserve
By Alexis A. Goring

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23 KJV

Sometimes I respond to things that happen with an attitude asking God, “What did I do to deserve this?”

However, recently, I realized what I “deserve” is death because I am a sinner and God is holy. He doesn’t like sin. Death is the original price humankind had to pay for our sins. But there is hope because of Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate price for our sins when He died on the cross at Calvary. Because of His death and resurrection we can be reconciled to God (John 3:16-17). Without Christ’s sacrifice, we would be separated from God forever. The free gift of salvation offered by Jesus is a blessing we should never take for granted.

Now, when I am tempted to ask God what I did to deserve [fill in the blank], I am moved to replace that feeling with facts: I am doing much better than I deserve! Why? Because I am alive and healthy and saved by Jesus! So many people don’t make it. They die young. Some people die even before they are born. Some die old and gray but without ever giving their life to Jesus Christ. Some are homeless. Some are unemployed. There is always someone who has it worse than you but no matter how we feel about our life circumstances, we need to remember that God is good and we are doing better than we deserve.

This is not to minimize your problems and dismiss your pain. But it is to encourage you that we have a Savior who empathizes with us and understands our pain (Hebrews 4:15). He can help you in all the ways you need Him to. The Passion of the Christ is a biblical drama film that was co-written, directed, and produced by Mel Gibson. During the film production, someone snapped a picture of Gibson sitting in his director chair next to Jim Caviezel who is the actor playing Jesus Christ. Gibson looks clean-shaven and well dressed in a crisp top and wrinkle-free pants and he’s moving his hands as he talks to the actor who plays Jesus. Caviezel’s entire body is painted in blood that is seeping through his rough-cut tan tunic. He has a crown of thorns on his head. Yet his demeanor is kind, and he’s looking intently at Gibson, showing patience and longsuffering as he listens to Gibson pour out his heart. The caption on this photo reads: That moment when you try to explain to Jesus how hard your life has been lately.

When I read that caption and reflected on the message of the picture above, it humbled me. Jesus went through unspeakable pain and suffering. He allowed himself to be beaten, flogged, mocked, abused, mistreated, and ultimately killed by crucifixion all so we could have a chance to be saved in His Kingdom. We cannot handle even one percent of everything He endured for us. It was a rescue mission only Christ could complete. I am so grateful He did and He is faithful!

Despite everything Jesus went through, He interceded for us up to the last breath He breathed. Jesus even asked God to forgive the people who caused his death (Luke 23:34). Looking at the picture of Gibson telling the actor playing Jesus, about his problems, presumedly right before the scene where Christ was crucified, changes my perspective when I think I have problems. Nothing I have been through or will go through begins to compare to all Jesus went through for us. Yet, He doesn’t judge us unfairly, and He invites us to pour out our hearts to Him. Did you have a bad day? He wants to sympathize with you. Did you have a good day? He wants to rejoice with you.

Oftentimes, the trials and tribulations of our life here on Earth can feel overwhelming and cause us to despair. During one of those days for me, God spoke to my spirit, “Earth is temporary, that means your pain is temporary.” His words gave me hope because I realized it means that all the pain, trials and tribulations we face do have an expiration date and we serve a God who restores!

My worst days do not begin to compare to the trauma Jesus endured on the cross so we could be saved in His Kingdom. Yet, Jesus understands everything we go through and He’s promised to be here for us and see us through. We just need to let Him.

There are two songs that encouraged my heart as I thought of writing this devotional. I invite you to listen to “Deserved” by Anthony Brown and Nicole Wilson with the FBCG Young Adult Choir. I also invite you to listen to Charity Gayle sing “Thank You Jesus For The Blood” and be encouraged.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does knowing that Jesus paid the price for your sins inspire you? In what ways can you show gratitude to Christ for being there for you?

Further Reading:
Hebrews 8:12
Ephesians 1:7
Galatians 2:20
Isaiah 44:22
2 Peter 3:9

Alexis A. Goring is an author, blogger, editor, photographer, trained journalist, and total foodie. She specializes in Contemporary Christian Romance (fiction) and devotionals (nonfiction). Her first devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, was published in April 2020. Alexis hopes that her life’s work will lead people to Jesus Christ and teach them about the God who loves humankind with all of His heart. When she’s not sharing words that inspire and encourage the heart, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up something tasty, or in a café or restaurant, either dining solo or sharing a meal with loved ones. Connect with Alexis online via her website (https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com), Twitter (@pennedbyalex) and Instagram (@capturing_the_idea).